tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83999245631183995892017-09-14T22:34:44.338-04:00TRIBULATION HARVESTRepent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-10470130135244730812017-04-02T17:26:00.003-04:002017-04-02T17:29:57.715-04:00It's Okay To Preach To A Quiet Room<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0myh7P4DTLE/WOFtTBGpc-I/AAAAAAAARAo/N5mHk0aO_1wcGSdJwn8zMrjSrFxcYJ5QwCLcB/s1600/preacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0myh7P4DTLE/WOFtTBGpc-I/AAAAAAAARAo/N5mHk0aO_1wcGSdJwn8zMrjSrFxcYJ5QwCLcB/s320/preacher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">This is my advice to pastors... It's okay to preach to a quiet room. Many pastors think that they need to elicit a certain amount of energy and response from the congregation in order to deem their sermon a success. I'm here to tell you that this is not the case.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">If you are a pastor who instructs his congregation to yell "Amen" when you make a point or expects the congregation to shout out encouraging words to you while you preach, you may want to rethink that.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Time and time again I've seen pastors trying to elicit a response from the congregation, as if their lack of response is a direct negative response to his sermon (which, in many instances, is not the case). That is a dangerous thing, because such a pastor is more likely to alter his preaching style and the content of his sermons to elicit what he deems as a more positive response. In doing so, the pastor may begin compromising the word of God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">I remember when a former pastor of mine was preaching the word, and the Holy Spirit grabbed on to something the pastor said and planted it in my heart. As I sat there, trying to grasp what the Holy Spirit was doing, what He was sharing, the change He was making in me, the growth that was happening in me in that very moment... the pastor was up on stage trying to elicit an "Amen" from everyone. In that moment of silence, when the Holy Spirit may have been reaching into the heart of many others in the congregation, the pastor missed what the Spirit was doing because</span><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">&nbsp;he was more concerned about receiving a positive response to his sermon. I gave him the "Amen" he was looking for, but that interfered with what the Holy Spirit was doing in me at the moment. I broke that silence and interrupted what the Holy Spirit was doing in me. I'm here to say I won't ever make that same mistake again, because I KNOW I robbed myself of a greater blessing.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Another reason the congregation may become unresponsive is when taking notes. I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm taking notes, I'm more concerned with getting the scripture reference right and taking down a few key words than I am about shouting anything out to the pastor.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Yet another reason is that some are having their own personal bible study with the Lord, searching for a scripture that ties in with the scripture given by the pastor. Yes, some of us do have our mini bible studies during the sermon...ha ha ha. When the Spirit is showing you something, you have to go with it or you can lose it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">This is why I say that it's okay to preach to a quiet room. Pastors, realize that when it gets quiet, it's probably the Holy Spirit at work. In trying to validate your own worth by the response you receive during your sermon, remember that it's God, not you, that everyone should be there to receive instruction from. Pray for the discernment needed to know when hearts are being changed and when it's best to just continue instead of stopping the flow to beg for a verbal pat on the back. Be confident enough to know that if you are&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">speaking the words God gives to you, then you can be sure that the Holy Spirit will drive the message home.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;">Please leave any comments you may have in the comments section below.</span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;verdana&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-3876646037628727372017-04-02T16:25:00.000-04:002017-04-02T16:25:00.492-04:00Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Pt. 4 - The Apostasy or Falling Away<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsGYCoUxsl0/WOFbdmq8cPI/AAAAAAAARAY/1Q0lmCdpNpkRnb5aqD3HgiOlSH9jOM2SgCLcB/s1600/4-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GsGYCoUxsl0/WOFbdmq8cPI/AAAAAAAARAY/1Q0lmCdpNpkRnb5aqD3HgiOlSH9jOM2SgCLcB/s320/4-300x225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How many of us have read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 and were confused when studying the subject of the Rapture? Some who read this portion of scripture are convinced that it shows that the Rapture cannot occur pre-Tribulation because the "day of Christ" comes AFTER a falling away and the Antichrist is revealed. Somehow, this didn't sit well with me because I believe in a pre-Tribulation Rapture. Could I be wrong? If not, how do I reconcile this scripture with my understanding of the Rapture?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm one for allowing my long held beliefs to be challenged. In fact, I find that many of those beliefs weren't even rooted in scripture, but were church traditions. Of course, some were based on incorrect understanding of the scripture itself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a case of the latter. There are two things we need to focus on here. We need to discuss what the "day of Christ" is and we need to look at the original Greek word that has been translated "a falling away." Only then can we read this portion of scripture in context and see it's true meaning.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the scripture being discussed:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 <i><span style="color: purple;">"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, </span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">2</span></b><span style="color: purple;">That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that day of Christ is at hand. &nbsp;</span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">3</span></b><span style="color: purple;">Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; &nbsp;</span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">4</span></b><span style="color: purple;">Who opposeth and exaulteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. &nbsp;</span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">5</span></b><span style="color: purple;">Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?"</span></i> KJV</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are only five verses here, but these five verses say so much. Let's take this in piecemeal.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have to begin in the middle, in verse 3, in order to understand the other verses wrapped around this one.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Falling Away</b></span></span><br /><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come <b>a falling away</b> first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Greek word being used here is, "</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">apostasia." It is being translated in English as, "a falling away." What if that isn't the correct translation? I have listened and read teachings on this particular subject and have come to the realization that my long held interpretation of this phrase is incorrect. In earlier versions of the bible, this word was translated not as "a falling away," but as "the departure." Whoa! Yeah... it blew my mind when I sat there and re-read the verse using those words instead. This is what I mean: <i><span style="color: purple;">"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come <b>the departure </b>first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;"</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first seven English translations of "apostasia"&nbsp;all rendered the noun as either "departure" or "departing." Wycliffe Bible (1384); Tyndale Bible (1526); Coverdale Bible (1535); Cranmer Bible (1539); Breeches Bible (1576); Beza Bible (1583); Geneva Bible (1608).&nbsp;Jerome's Latin translation known as the Vulgate from around 400 AD renders&nbsp;apostasia&nbsp;with the word "discessio," meaning "departure."</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So if the true translation is "the departure" and not "a falling away," then that makes a huge difference in how this scripture, taken in context, is understood.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>That Day Of Christ</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many look to the words "that day of Christ" as reference to the Rapture. Could this be true? Let's take a closer look.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is the mental state of the believers in&nbsp;Thessaloníki at this point? Here's what Paul writes:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><i><span style="color: purple;">"Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and&nbsp;by&nbsp;our gathering together unto him,&nbsp;</span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">2</span></b><span style="color: purple;">That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand."</span></i>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They were shaken down to their core. What would cause such a severe negative reaction in them?&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If they believed that the "day of Christ" was the Rapture and that they were about to experience, then why would the body of believers be "shaken in mind" or "troubled?" That just doesn't make sense. Could it be that the "day of Christ" mentioned here is not referring to the Rapture but, instead, is referring to the time of Jacob's trouble... Daniel's 70th week... the Tribulation? Could it be that they believed that they had missed the great catching away and that they were living through the coming judgment, the day of Christ, that they had been warned was coming?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The believers in Thessaloniki&nbsp;at that time were worried that the "day of Christ" had come (the Tribulation) and Paul had to correct them. If I could be so bold as to paraphrase Paul, he basically told them, <i>"Hey, we already spoke to you about the Lord's promise to gather together both those who have gone before us and for us as well, so don't fret about what you're hearing from people giving you false information or saying that we wrote letters to the fact that the <b>Tribulation </b>("day of Christ")&nbsp;has begun. The Tribulation isn't going to begin until after <b>"the departure"</b> and after the Antichrist is revealed." He then briefly describes the Antichrist and then reminds them in verse 5 that while he was with them, he explained it to them.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you go back to Paul's first letter to the church in Thessaloniki, you'll see that&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">he never spoke to them about "a falling away," but he did speak to them about Jesus returning to gather together the saints:&nbsp;<i><span style="color: purple;">"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: </span><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>17</b></span><span style="color: purple;">Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. </span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">18</span></b><span style="color: purple;">Wherefore comfort one another with these words."&nbsp;</span></i>(1Thess.&nbsp;4:16-18)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So we can see that the saints in Thessaloniki were petrified that they had missed the Rapture and were now at the beginning of the Tribulation. Paul was calming them down by telling them that the promised Rapture had not yet happened, and that the Tribulation can't begin until it does happen, at which time the Antichrist will be revealed. Then, and only then, can the Tribulation begin.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Important to note, is that in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, Paul told them that they were to comfort one another with the promise of a gathering together (Rapture). Why? Because they wouldn't need to worry about entering into the Tribulation. Jesus would come first to gather believers together to be with Him forever. It's no comfort to be promised a gathering together of believers AFTER suffering through the Tribulation</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">, but it is a comfort to be promised a gathering together BEFORE such times begin.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So Paul's saying, "I already told you, we're going to be gathered together before the Tribulation, s</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">o don't listen to false doctrine and the twisted words of men, hold on to what you've already been taught. Remember what I told you before."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is also the fact that the scripture doesn't contradict itself. Let's look at what Peter said in Acts 2:16-18&nbsp;<i><span style="color: purple;">"But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: </span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">17</span></b><span style="color: purple;">And it shall come to pass <u>in the last days</u>, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: </span><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>18</b></span><span style="color: purple;">And on my servants and on my handmaidens <u>I will pour out in those days of my Spirit</u>; and they shall prophesy:"&nbsp;</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This does not sound like "a falling away," now does it? &nbsp;People, even now, are saying that we are in the midst of the great falling away, but that conflicts with what is going on in the world today. Actually, it's the exact opposite. Thousands upon thousands of people are coming to Christ every day. Just look at what is going on in Asia and the Middle East and third world countries!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems that by interpreting the word&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">apostasia" as "a falling away" actually contradicts what God said He would do in the last days, and the proof is what is going on in the world today. Where Satan has made inroads into our nation's church system and those in Europe, God is more than making up for that with the influx of new born again believers worldwide.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 Tim 4:1 speaks of a departure from the faith, but it does not describe a great falling away: <span style="color: purple;"><i>"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter time, <b>some</b> shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"</i> </span>There is a difference between what people expect as a great "falling away" and what Timothy described as "some." Some shall depart from the faith, and that is exactly what has happened, but there are more saints worldwide entering into a relationship with Jesus than there are departing the faith, so I can't support the notiont that "a falling away" is the correct interpretation of the Greek word, "</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">apostasia."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's another little nugget of information for you. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 says: <i><span style="color: purple;">"And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. </span><b><span style="color: #783f04;">7</span></b><span style="color: purple;">For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."&nbsp;</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meaning? The Holy Spirit is holding back the reign of the Antichrist until He is "taken out of the way." Since God has already promised never to leave nor forsake us, and that we are born of the Spirit (and since scripture cannot contradict itself), the Holy Spirit will not depart unless we go with Him. Sounds an awful lot like the Rapture, doesn't it?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm interested in your opinion. Please take the time to leave a comment below.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meantime, here is just one video out of all of the other videos and web sites that I have reviewed before writing this article, which reflects much of what is presented in the video.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WykNfNq12Us/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WykNfNq12Us?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-53832329299701346002015-09-16T01:14:00.000-04:002015-09-17T21:02:45.611-04:00Date Setting And Paranoia - What's A Christian To Do?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">BIBLICAL PROPHECY!</span> <span style="color: #660000;">BLOOD MOONS!</span> <span style="color: #b45f06;">THE FALL FEASTS!</span> <span style="color: #073763;">THE RAPTURE! </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">THE TRIBULATION!</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">DESTRUCTION!</span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #20124d;">DEVASTATION! </span><span style="color: #38761d;">THE END OF THE WORLD!</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">ECONOMIC COLLAPSE!</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCqtzodGGvw/Vfjx0iV3H-I/AAAAAAAANxA/d9ESZzmRg_0/s1600/blood%2Bmoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCqtzodGGvw/Vfjx0iV3H-I/AAAAAAAANxA/d9ESZzmRg_0/s200/blood%2Bmoon.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeing the unsaved being influenced by their own fearful thoughts and gripped with fear about the possibility that mayhem and destruction is right around the corner is one thing, but when those who call themselves Christians let fear and uncertainty grip their heart and control their thoughts and actions, that's quite another. Yes, there are principalities and powers at work in this world, but Christians have One greater who lives within them... the Holy Spirit. We must not allow ourselves to get caught up in all of the hype of this season of change. For years, believers have predicted the date of the Rapture and unbelievers have predicted the destruction of the world, oft times to the&nbsp;determent&nbsp;of those&nbsp;who believed such stories. Neither the rapture nor the earth's destruction have occurred.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can excuse the unbeliever for predicting the ultimate demise of the planet and everything on it, but can we excuse the believer of believing that the date of Jesus return can be predicted? Jesus said, <span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." </span>Matthew 24:36 &nbsp;He didn't say, <span style="color: #274e13;"><i>"...knoweth no man, except those who were clever enough to figure it out."</i></span> No, he said, <i><span style="color: red;">"...knowth no man... but my Father only."</span></i> The blood moons and everything else being thrown out there by those believers who have studied God's word, Jewish tradition and world history, doesn't really give us a clue as to when the Rapture will take place. These individuals have absolutely no idea when the Rapture will take place. It's all guesswork. There's not going to be that one believer in Heaven who will be able to say, <span style="color: #274e13;"><i>"Yep, no one else figured it out except me."</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just recently, September 13, 2015 was thrown out there by some Christians who believed that this was the date of the Rapture. That date has since come and gone. Now I understand that some are claiming that the Rapture will occur on September 28th at the next blood moon. does anyone believe that the Lord will return on that date? Let's see a show of hands. Anyone? <b><span style="color: #990000;">Let me state this as clearly as I know how. If you are absolutely positive, and believe in your heart, and you know that you know that you know that the Lord will return on a specific date, then you can be positive that you are wrong because Jesus said that no man would know the day nor the hour of His return.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be honest... how many of us, in the past, have bought in to the idea that the year had finally come for the Lord's return? (I'm raising my hand) That year passed without the Rapture, then the next and the next until we now find ourselves here in the latter part of 2015. Some are positive that this is the year. Really? What happens if and when 2016 rolls around. Will you then be positive that the Rapture will take place in 2016? What if we reach 2017? How positive will you be then that 2017 will be the year of the Rapture?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though we don't know the day or the hour, we've been told that we will know the season. Many of us believe that we are in that season even now, but&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">we have no idea how long this season will last. We know that Jesus' arrival is imminent and it could occur at any time, but that's not to say that this season won't last another year or two. I hope that's not the case. I hope that the Lord does return this year, but I'm not going to listen to those believers who lead people on and chose their words to carefully craft a prediction while still weakly claiming that it's just an educated guess.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While we're here, we have a war to fight. We're here to take back ground from the enemy and to advance the kingdom of God here on earth. We're here to rescue as many saints as possible, while the enemy continues to make his preparations for the coming of his Antichrist. God has Satan hemmed in so that he can only accomplish so much, but when the point is reached where the world is ripe for the great deception that will fall upon them, and when that last brother or sister that God is waiting for has repented of their sin and believes in the One who gave His life for them, then we'll be ripped from this world in a blink of an eye while the full force of evil in this world is released!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are people out there in the Christian community who will talk about the blood moons, the Jewish Feasts and the "last trump" and who will try to convince us that the blood moons signal catastrophe and that through their study they've concluded that the Jewish feasts and the scripture relating to the "last trump" show that the Rapture will occur on the last day of Rosh Hashanah. These individuals have received monetary gain from the books, videos, charts, posters, etc... that they've sold&nbsp;which make these claims, all the while telling us that they're not date setting. If it's not Rosh Hashanah 2015, then all through next year the date setters will be talking about Rosh Hashanah 2016. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What they don't tell you is that the Jewish calendar has gone through some changes since Jesus prophetically fulfilled the first four major feast days. Without </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">getting into specifics, the Jewish calendar that was around when Jesus walked this earth isn't the same calendar that they use now.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Jewish calendar used to be based on the lunar cycle, and eye witness accounts of when the new moon appeared, but as I understand it, that was changed in the fourth century when it was changed to a fixed calendar. As you can imagine, those in Jesus' time would be celebrating a holy day on a particular day while those in the fourth century and beyond would be celebrating it on another, since they would be operating under two different systems of marking days and months. The modern calendar allows for the adding and taking away of days so that certain holy days don't fall back to back or on the "wrong day."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The point I'm trying to make concerning these two methods of marking time, is that it makes no sense to try to connect the "last trump" Jesus spoke of with the last trumpet blast of the modern celebration of Rosh Hashanah because it's more than likely that this holy day won't line up with the old lunar calendar. That's why if Jesus <b>was</b>&nbsp;referring to Rosh Hashanah when He made mention of the "last trump," it would most likely be blown on the date that Rosh Hashanah would have ended on in regard to the old Jewish calendar and not the last day of Rosh Hashanah that is marked on the modern Jewish calendar that they use today.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of us feel that we are in the season where we are to look up and expect the arrival of the Bridegroom, but it's not a time to panic and believe that every news story is going to lead to the immediate destruction of this nation. Yes, the United States is most likely going to fall, because the greatest and most powerful nation that there has ever been on this planet is found nowhere in biblical prophecy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead of fearing what is to come, we need to prayerfully prepare for what we may need to go through before the Bridegroom arrives. We don't know how bad things are going to get in this world or how bad it's going to be for born again believers before the Tribulation begins. We are already seeing the leading edge of Christian persecution in this country and it's only going to get worse as we get closer to Yeshua's return.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's a Christian to do? We need to live each day in it's own time. We need to continue to believe, pray, share, witness, evangelize, teach, etc... We need to continue to depend on God to increase our faith, give us strength, and lead us by His Holy Spirit. Jesus said that His return would be as the great flood occurred in Noah's time. Everyone would be eating and drinking, getting married, and going on with their daily lives. His return will happen suddenly, as a thief in the night. In the blink of an eye we'll be ushered into His presence and our thoughts will no longer be focused on what is happening in the world, but will instead be focused on the One who saved us through His blood on the cross.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know who I want to meet in heaven? I want to meet that man, woman or child who shares Jesus with that last person who receives salvation before Jesus returns. I want to go up to that saint and say, "Well done," before giving him or her a big hug in appreciation for being so faithful and obedient to God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last words: Don't fall into the date setting trap. Live your days one at a time while looking up in anticipation of the arrival of the Bridegroom. One day, when&nbsp;you least expect it, you'll hear that shout and that trumpet blast, and in that moment we'll be home!</span></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-51985400788155372812015-08-28T00:17:00.002-04:002015-08-29T15:44:46.529-04:00The First Resurrection And The Rapture<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYGnG6rB7hs/Vd_fKx4gG5I/AAAAAAAANVQ/C-PzXeaXX4w/s1600/coollogo_com-20623322.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYGnG6rB7hs/Vd_fKx4gG5I/AAAAAAAANVQ/C-PzXeaXX4w/s200/coollogo_com-20623322.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's easy to confuse the first resurrection with the Rapture. After all, they both involve resurrected bodies. The Rapture isn't exclusively a resurrection. By that, I mean that yes, the saints that have gone before us will be reunited with their bodies and have them transformed into immortal and incorruptible bodies just a moment before we, who are living, have our bodies transformed in like manner. It isn't described as the first resurrection, but as being caught up. <i><span style="color: #20124d;">"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with with trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">17&nbsp;</span></b></i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Then we which are alive and remain shall be <b>caught up</b> together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (1Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV)&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first resurrection won't involve the living, but the dead in Christ. Here we see both the living and the dead being "caught up" to be with the Lord forever. It's not known as a "resurrection Rapture," but only as the Rapture (the catching away of the living and dead in Christ). The Rapture won't be the first time that the dead have been resurrected either.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you remember, immediately after Jesus rose from the dead, others rose from the dead as well.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-style: italic;">"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. </span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">51 </span></b><span style="color: #20124d; font-style: italic;">And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; </span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">52</span></b><span style="color: #20124d; font-style: italic;"> And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, </span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">53 </span></b><span style="color: #20124d; font-style: italic;">And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." </span>(Matthew 27:50-53 KJV)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It would be just as easy to confuse this with the “first resurrection” as it would be to confuse the Rapture with the "first resurrection."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>So when does the "first resurrection" occur?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-style: italic;">"And I saw thrones, and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the <b>souls</b> of them that were beheaded for their witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, nor in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">5 </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-style: italic;">But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. </span><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">6 </span></b><i style="color: #20124d;">Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." </i>(</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rev. 20:4-6 KJV)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This scripture specifically mentions events that will occur only at the time of the Tribulation. Those who participate in the "first resurrection" were beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God, did not worship the beast, and did not receive the mark of the beast on their hand or forehead. It's clear that the "first resurrection" occurs AFTER the Tribulation, when Jesus returns to Earth along with those who had been raptured seven years prior.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many will use this as support for a post-Tribulation Rapture, but that just isn't the case. If you read the following verses, you'll see what I mean:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #20124d;">"And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the <b>souls</b> of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">10 </span></b><span style="color: #20124d;">And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">11 </span></b><span style="color: #20124d;">And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest <b>yet for a little season</b>, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."</span></i> (Rev. 6:9-11 &nbsp;KJV - bold mine)&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God is very specific when He is describing those who are "under the alter."&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are the souls who were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christians will be killed during the Tribulation</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are told to "rest yet for a little season."</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"little season" - Remainder of the Tribulation</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are to wait until their fellow servants/brethren are killed as they were.&nbsp;</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their fellow brothers and sisters will be killed during the Tribulation in the same way they were</span></li></ul></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These <b>souls</b> aren't representative of every Christian who is waiting to be resurrected at a post-Tribulation Rapture. These are specific <b>souls</b> that have been persecuted and killed because of their faith and it is during the seal judgments that they are first mentioned, linking their persecution and deaths to the Tribulation. These souls mentioned here in&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rev. 6:9-11 are the same souls mentioned in&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rev. 20:4-6. They are the souls who are part of the "first resurrection" and who&nbsp;"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Is there a second resurrection?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, yes and no. It's not specifically called the "second resurrection." It's called the "second death." It occurs a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t the White Throne Judgment after Satan is finally defeated and condemned to eternity in hell. It is at this time that those who died apart from God, are resurrected and stand before Jesus to be judged by the law of God, receiving the eternal destiny that they have chosen for themselves… eternity in the lake of fire and brimstone. This is why you need to repent and believe, so that you can be part of the experience known as the Rapture or, if you are left behind, be a part of the first resurrection. Just as those who take the mark of the Beast are automatically condemned to Hell, those who are part of the “second death” are destined to spend eternity in Hell.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TribulationHarvest.net</b></span></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-30875840466666293942015-08-03T21:56:00.000-04:002015-08-04T17:57:58.827-04:00The Spirit Of Python Is A Spirit Of Divination And Nothing More<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the past few weeks, I've heard references regarding something called the "spirit of python." This teaching has obviously been around for a few years, so I thought I'd take a closer look at what this is all about. I've taken the time to read what people have had to say online and I've watched some videos on the subject. I've been sitting on this article,&nbsp;tweaking&nbsp;it here and there and waiting for&nbsp;someone to respond to my social media posts, offering up some information that I haven't yet considered; something... anything that would add to what I've already learned about this subject. None has been forthcoming, so here is my opinion on this subject.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The teaching I've heard starts off, simple enough, with a scripture that makes mention of the subject of this article:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Noh_h0R44/Vb50nbTtzNI/AAAAAAAAMzc/zabK3fKFD6A/s1600/python%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Noh_h0R44/Vb50nbTtzNI/AAAAAAAAMzc/zabK3fKFD6A/s200/python%2B2.jpg" width="124" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of <b><u>divination</u></b> met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>17 </b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>18 </b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>19 </b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains were gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>20 </b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>21 </b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans."</span>&nbsp;</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acts 16:16-21</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing someone will tell you when discussing this subject is that the word "divination" that is found in verse 16 isn't the proper translation of the Greek word being used here. The Greek word is&nbsp;<b>puthón</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vine's Expository Dictionary describes the word&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this way:&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(Eng., "python"), in Greek mythology was the name of the Pythian serpent or dragon, dwelling in Pytho, at the foot of mount Parnassus, guarding the oracle of Delphi, and slain by Apollo. Thence the name was transferred to Apollo himself. Later the word was applied to diviners or soothsayers, regarded as inspired by Apollo. Since demons are the agents inspiring idolatry, 1Cr 10:20, the young woman in Acts 16:16 was possessed by a demon instigating the cult of Apollo, and thus had "a spirit of divination."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does that mean? It means that spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón is associated with a false religion. This demonic spirit has a major role in the protection and assistance of those&nbsp;who&nbsp;practice divination. So in Acts, when it's said that the woman had a spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, it's referencing the demonic spirit that protected and assisted&nbsp;those&nbsp;who&nbsp;practiced divination. That's why KJV translates that word as divination&nbsp;instead of the word python. Although python is the English translation of this word, it's difficult, scripturally, to connect it's behavior with that of an earthly python.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's look at the behavior of this woman. We know that she:</span><br /><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is possessed by a demon.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">can tell people about things in their personal lives and predict their future.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> slave being used to make money for her masters.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is&nbsp;exalting&nbsp;Paul and Silas instead of God.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is making herself equal with them by associating with brethren who exhibit supernatural abilities just as she does, and with no official rebuke from them.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How does Paul handle the situation? Well, at first he does nothing but ignore her. Why is that? Scripture isn't clear about why he waited to cast out that demon, but an educated guess would be that it was probably because the Holy Spirit was instructing him to wait.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Days later, Paul's heart becomes grieved. Again, why? Once again, scripture isn't clear why, but we can take another educated guess. I can think of several reasons:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we have a slave woman who Paul can see is under a demonic influence. Her greedy masters, are using her spiritual state to make themselves rich.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The demon who is possessing this woman knows who Paul and company are, and declares it openly. Do her masters repent and ask for forgiveness and for the Apostle to drive the demonic spirit from her? No.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This demon tries to blend in with the Jesus crowd in order to deceive the populace. If he can make himself out to be a spirit of light, when he is in fact a spirit of darkness, he can deceive an even greater number of people and pollute the message of salvation with it's own brand of false religion.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like Satan in the Garden of Eden, this spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón mimics it's master and speaks just enough truth to deceive people into believing that it's the author of truth. God alone is the source of all prophecy and revelation. He alone is the Author of truth.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether it was one or a combination of these things, or something else entirely, that caused Paul's heart to grieve, he takes care of the situation by casting out the demon. Once the slave woman's masters realize what's happened, they panic. They've just lost their moneymaker and they're not happy about that. They complain to the local authorities, who then punish Paul and Silas by whipping them and throwing them into prison.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #4c1130;">"And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>23 </b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;">And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charing the jailor to keep them safely: </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;">24 </span></b><span style="color: #4c1130;">Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks."</span> </i>Acts 16:22-24</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón is a demon that protects and assists those who practice the sinful act of divination. This demon, under Satan's direction, seeks to displace God as the author of truth.&nbsp;Satan&nbsp;knows that mankind responds more readily&nbsp;to something that is seen than something (or someone) that is unseen. We see examples of that in the scriptures all the time. One that sticks out in my mind is 1 Samuel chapter 8, where Israel rejects an unseen God in favor of being led by a king that they can actually see.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Satan takes advantage of this human desire by providing mankind with a flesh and bone individual who practices divination under the influence and protection of what cannot be seen, the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess I interpret this scripture differently than the mainstream python crowd. I see this as a warning. It's an example of how the enemy wants to destroy mankind's faith in God. Satan attempts to deceive us by demonstrating his power through humans, who most don't understand are operating under the influence of the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón. This demonic spirit speaks enough truth to be believable while still deceiving the victim. This is what we see in this portion of scripture. This demon possessed woman was making a lot of money for her masters. Business was good because her clients believed she had the supernatural power of prophecy. This demon was proving itself to be successful in its purpose... to take people's eyes off of an unseen God, who alone is the source of all prophesy and revelation, and instead focus their eyes on him.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have educated Christians taking this portion of scripture and using the word "python" to create a whole new, and in my opinion un-biblical, teaching. We go from a bible study to story telling. We go from the word of God to the word of man. We go from discussing the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón as being one that protects and assists in the act of divination and one that tries to create an alternate belief system, to being one that is blamed for many of the ills of Christians worldwide.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We leap out of the bible and take the physical nature of a python and transpose that into Christian teaching related to this portion of scripture. In any other circumstance, it would be considered a false teaching and maybe even the teachings of cults, but because it's being taught in the mainline Christian community, it's being lauded as solid biblical teaching.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some of the things I've read and heard:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"One of the only named spirits in the Bible, the python spirit is a </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">coiling</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> spirit that works to </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">squeeze out</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the breath of life (the Holy Spirit) and </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">cut off</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> your lifeline to God (prayer)." </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.charismamag.com/blogs/the-plumb-line/21396-what-the-python-spirit-really-wants" target="_blank"><b>Charisma Magazine - Sep 25, 2014</b></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It's not just natural things, you know, keeping you from prayer. I'm busy, I gotta do this, I gotta do that. It's a spirit called python that wants to <b>choke</b> your prayer time out of your life..." <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/3DU8bMeSya0" target="_blank">Jentezen Franklin</a>.</b>&nbsp;</span>This gentleman has a teaching called, "<b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://youtu.be/6Uw9Vwf56HA" target="_blank">Spirit of Python: Snake Eggs in Your Head</a></span>.</b>" The description reads,&nbsp;</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sin begins in the mind. Not as an act of the body, not with the act of the soul. It begins with a thought that lies in the mind <b><u>like a snake egg</u></b> until it is hatched. What we continually think on, we eventually act on. In this message we learn that we may not always be in control of what enters our minds, but we do have control over how long it stays. But we can get victory. We can renew our minds and get the <b><u>snake eggs</u></b> out."&nbsp;</i><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right, folks. Now we're being told we have snake eggs in our mind, which, of course, means that this "spirit of python" is the sole reason for our negative thoughts. It doesn't come from any other demon or even from our own flesh. No, it's the dreaded python spirit. Sorry, I don't mean to be flippant, but spiritual snake eggs? Really? It seems like the spirits of fear, lust, anger, confusion, etc... are out of a job because all these attributes are now assigned to the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This demonic spirit seems to be receiving plenty of notoriety as of late. If there's one thing that this spirit has not been lacking, it's the attention that Christians have been giving it and the growing list of things that they have accused it of being responsible for.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This teaching states that this "spirit of python" doesn't strike outwardly with venomous fangs. On the contrary. It's reported that this demon&nbsp;</span><u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">quietly seeks out it's prey and warps itself around them and ever so slowly and&nbsp;subtly squeezes the spiritual life out of them</u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. You know, like an actual earthly python.&nbsp;</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is in direct conflict with what the bible says happened in this instance.</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This demonic spirit was everything but subtle when it had its run-ins with Paul and Silas. It made itself known immediately and it was large and in charge (until it was cast out, of course). Taking this attribute of an earthly cobra and trying to transfer it to this demonic entity just doesn't fit in with this particular scripture, now does it? Unfortunately, this entire teaching is wrapped around (no pun intended) this one portion of scripture because there aren't any other scriptures concerning this demon to support this teaching.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This teaching also includes the idea that this demonic spirit can choke a marriage, choke a ministry, choke your joy, choke your finances, choke your prayer life, choke your spiritual relationship with God... choke, choke, choke. An attribute of a python is once again erroneously transferred to the spiritual description of this demon in a way to make you believe that when you've reached a point of stagnation in your walk with the Lord or you become limited in other areas of your life, it must be because of this particular demon's influence.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems that this demon can slowly squeeze the Holy Spirit out of you. Ready to jump some hoops?&nbsp;</span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An earthly python squeezes you until you have difficulty breathing. This attribute is incorrectly transfered to the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breath is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the demon is supposedly squeezing the spiritual breath out of you, he's actually sque</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ezing the Holy Spirit out of you.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;wasn't aware that any demon had authority over the Holy Spirit. In fact, I'm positive that none of them have the authority to "choke" Him out of our lives.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As this teaching reveals, anything that goes awry in your life can be attributed to this demonic spirit. Demons must love getting credit for things they don't do. Are we so busy trying to shift the blame for the negative situations in our lives that we're actually willing to give credit to a demon that has nothing to do with it? Just as the populace was giving credit to the demon for the prophecies it was giving through the woman in the related scripture, are we giving credit to him for things that he doesn't even do? Are we building up this demon to be more than what he is? I believe the Christian community is doing just that.</span><br /><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b> <b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't feel like praying? </b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not your own spiritual laziness, it's the fault of that python spirit who wants to cut off your breath and prevent you from speaking with God.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Feeling the financial squeeze and don't want to tithe?</b> It's not your reluctance to rely on God to provide for your needs, it's that python spirit that's strangling your finances so that you <b>can't </b>tithe.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The congregation of your church isn't growing?</b> It can't be the perception that others have of your church, or that the Holy Spirit isn't providing the increase, it must be that python spirit strangling church growth.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Your children have become rebellious? </b>It can't involve the spirit of rebellion or the fact that you're not paying enough attention to them or giving them proper discipline in their lives. It must be the spirit of python coming in to strangle all the joy out of your life.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You must see where I'm going with this.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we begin labeling the attributes of a python in the physical world and use those attributes to describe this spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón in the spiritual world, we're going a bit too far. Where does it end? Negative thinking, fear, depression, etc... it's all being attributed to this "spirit of python." What negative thing in a Christian's life can <b>NOT</b> be attributed to this demon?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know I'm going to get some serious heat about this. Too many Christians are too invested in this teaching to stop and give what I have to say serious thought. There are Christians that I respect who are spreading this teaching throughout the body of Christ. I don't believe it's scriptural and because of that, I have to speak up. My concern can't be about how it will be received or whether people will block me on their social media sites. Sometimes in a battle it's only you and the Lord. I've experienced that more than once in my lifetime. I know that there are others out there that just can't seem to make the connection between the story in Acts 16 and this teaching on the "spirit of python," but they are unwilling to go against the flow and speak out. That's okay. I'll do it for you.</span><br /><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b> <b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To Recap</b><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what I believe the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón to be:</span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is a demonic spirit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's name is descriptive of its association with divination.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It deceives mankind and takes their attention off of God by promoting a different belief system.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is su</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">btle, like it's master, Satan.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's main purpose is to entangle people in the occult (palm reading, tarot card readings, séances, occult rituals and chants, crystal ball reading, etc... which all forms of divination). This can lead to participation in other occult practices, like voodoo, incantations, witchcraft, etc...<div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It exhibits no other power or influence but that which is associated with divination.</span></li></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what I do <b>not</b> believe the spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón to be:</span><br /><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is not the cause of almost every negative thought.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is not a spiritual being with the attributes of a physical reptile (other than being subtle/crafty, as it was in the Garden of Eden).</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It do</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">es not operate in "restricting" or "choking" or "crushing" Christians in almost every area of their lives. If I was hard pressed to use that type of symbolism to describe this demon, I would have to say that as one delves deeper into the <b>occult</b>, this demon slowly chokes off your Christian walk.</span></li></ul><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Personal Experience:</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I have to admit that I have had experience with this demon in the past. I now know what his name is, and that's a plus. As a young Christian, I experienced the temptation of becoming involved with something that would give instant gratification... the occult. I thought about it, purchased a book on the subject, tried to make contact with ghosts (which are just demons in disguise) and even purchased and used a Ouija&nbsp;board (with results). The answers I received frightened me, which prompted me to repent and throw all of that demonic stuff away. This&nbsp;preceded&nbsp;what was to happen years later...</span><br /><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></b> <b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second Hand Experience:</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Twenty-six years ago, I was married.&nbsp;Three years later, my wife left me and the children so that she could live her life the way she wanted, which included alcohol and marijuana. What I didn't find out until a few year later was that my wife, who was a new born again believer when we were married, was becoming involved in the occult. She was seeing a "witch" and was participating in tarot card readings. She eventually purchased a set of these cards for herself. From what I understand, she used them often.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why am I sharing this with you? Because I know from personal experience that this "spirit of python" acts just like it did in the scripture quoted at the beginning of this article. It didn't come in quietly and start squeezing and choking me, nor did it seem to have that effect on my wife. The spirit of&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">puthón's influence made us believe that we could have power of our own and have it in this world. It was a seductive temptation that both she and I fell to in different times in our lives.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is not difficult for me to understand how this woman described in Acts 16 made so much money for her masters.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We fight against powers and principalities all the time. I just don't believe that this particular demon is responsible for everything that people want to attribute to it. I believe that </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it's function is clearly stated in scripture</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and that people have taken the "python" thing totally out of context and given it a meaning it was not intended to have. They have taken a spirit whose sole purpose is in protecting and assisting one who uses the satanic power of divination and has built that demon up to be more than what he actually is.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I had to boil all of this down to one sentence, it would be this: <b>The spirit of&nbsp;</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>puthón is a demon of the occult that exhibits no other ability other than those associated with divination.</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is my hope, that either:</span></div><div><div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> am right and that what I consider to be a false teaching will be shown for what it is.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am wrong and have somehow missed a mention of other scriptures that would reaffirm this teaching of a "spirit of python," at which point I will update or delete this ar</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ticle.</span></li></ul></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you believe that I have the wrong end of the stick, then please share your thoughts below with scripture to back up your statements. These scriptures must apply to the subject of this article. All other comments may be deleted.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know that this subject can be a divisive one, so I'm hoping we can have a calm discussion about this subject.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TribulationHarvest.net</b></span></div></div></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-53997648694643190942015-07-27T23:50:00.001-04:002015-07-30T12:09:43.695-04:00Is The Word "Rapture" In The Bible?<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmDAs40qHqg/Vbb5wxmrz_I/AAAAAAAAMr0/mN_g3Oio1lA/s1600/Rapture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmDAs40qHqg/Vbb5wxmrz_I/AAAAAAAAMr0/mN_g3Oio1lA/s200/Rapture.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can the word "rapture" be found in the bible? Here is my answer short and sweet. "Honestly, it all depends on what language the English translation came from."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Let's look at the verse we're discussing: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be&nbsp;<b>caught&nbsp;up </b>together with&nbsp;them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1Thessalonians 4:17 KJV)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i><br /></i></span><b>From Greek to English</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's take a look at the Greek word that's at the root of this discussion.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Harpazo (har-pad'-zo)</b> 1) to seize, carry off by force 2) to seize upon, claim for one's self eagerly 3) to snatch out or away</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the New Testament we know and love is translated from the Greek language, the word "rapture" doesn't appear in our English translation. The English translation from the Greek word "harpazo" is "caught up." The KJV translation is correct. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Greek (harpazo) = English (caught up)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><b>The Middle Man</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So then, where did the word rapture come from? It came by way of a middle man, the Latin language.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Latin translation of "harpazo" is "rapturo." The English translation of "rapturo" is "rapture."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Greek (harpazo) = Latin (rapturo) = English (rapture)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do we use the word "rapture?"</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The word "rapture" is used as verbal shorthand describing <i>"the act of being caught up, snatched, taken suddenly by force."</i> I mean, if we had to describe it that way every time we mentioned the event, our conversations could get pretty&nbsp;long-winded. After all, there are other examples of verbal shorthand that we use to describe things in the bible. One example is the word "Trinity." Do a word search and you won't find it anywhere in scripture. It's verbal shorthand. When we use that word, it's clear that we're referring to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -24px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THE RECAP</b></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Greek verb "harpazo" translated into Latin is "rapturo" which is translated into English as rapture.&nbsp;</span></span></li><li><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We often use verbal shorthand to describe something in scripture without having to fully articulate it's meaning. Example: Rapture and Trinity.</span></span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Greek (harpazo) = English (caught up)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Greek (harpazo) = Latin (rapturo) = English (rapture)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-81584772024200160252015-07-19T22:57:00.006-04:002015-07-30T11:56:37.169-04:00The World Won't Ever Be Void Of God's Chosen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNW59mQA2UE/VaxjK-MU_-I/AAAAAAAAMkM/GmEdIIHic48/s1600/Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bNW59mQA2UE/VaxjK-MU_-I/AAAAAAAAMkM/GmEdIIHic48/s200/Light.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the creation of mankind, there has always been someone on earth who has had a close relationship with God, even if that individual stood alone or acted without regard to their own personal safety. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Issac, Moses, David, Esther, Elijah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, etc... No matter what Satan did to try and wipe God from the minds of mankind or to destroy God's people, he just couldn't accomplish that task.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then a marvelous thing happened. Jesus came into the world! Through His birth, sinless life,&nbsp;crucifixion, death and resurrection, He provided us access, in His name, to&nbsp;our Father in heaven. Although all believers rejoice in that knowledge, the unsaved, and their slave master Satan, wish that it was otherwise.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There never has been a time when God was not praised and worshiped on the earth, and there will never be a time when unbelievers will ever experience a world where God is not Lord of all.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many unbelievers half-heartedly hope that the Rapture is a real event so that they can finally be rid of all those "intolerant," "hateful," and "judgmental" people who call themselves Christians. What they don't realize is that once Jesus returns for His bride and quickly whisks her away, there will be a whole host of born again believers to take their place.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's right, there will be millions of men and women who will repent and believe and take up where the raptured saints left off. Who will they be?&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who called themselves Christian, but did nothing more than play church on Sunday.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who walked away from the faith, never truly giving their lives to the Lord.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who were evangelized and witnessed to, but never made a decision for Jesus.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who are ignorant of what a relationship with God truly is, and are evange</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lized and witnessed to during the Tribulation.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first two groups will have a working knowledge of who Jesus is and what true Christianity is all about. They will most likely be the ones to teach and lead those who make up the last two groups.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What the world doesn't&nbsp;foresee&nbsp;is the chaos that is going to arise immediately&nbsp;following this worldwide event. The joyous hope of ridding themselves of every true born again believer will leave them desperate, petrified, horrified, and regretful. The world that remains </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/p/after-rapture_04.html" target="_blank">after the Rapture</a></u></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> won't be the world they envisioned. They believe they'll finally make the world a utopia, but it becomes just the opposite.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM_bBWDH81w/VbpISpGSZvI/AAAAAAAAMwI/h-jpG16Ot_w/s1600/the-rapture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM_bBWDH81w/VbpISpGSZvI/AAAAAAAAMwI/h-jpG16Ot_w/s320/the-rapture.jpg" width="224" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many will develop a hate for God to the point of where it will consume them. They will shake their fists at Him in defiance and help to track down born again believers in order to hand them over to the authorities for re-education, and eventually, execution.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, the unbeliever will never be rid of true men and women of God no matter how hard they try. From Adam's time on this earth to the moment Jesus returns as King of kings and Lord of lords at the battle of Har-mageddon, God will always have His chosen people here to spread His word and keep the faith alive in the midst of those who have not yet repented and believed. God has gone, and will go, to great lengths to make sure that mankind has every opportunity to hear the truth, repent, and believe.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To God be all the glory and honor forever and ever! Amen!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TribulationHarvest.net</b></span></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-38471399896225546072015-06-26T19:23:00.002-04:002015-07-28T20:28:30.816-04:00We Are A Witness To Biblical History<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuDKEiyQrQw/VY3e9GO5ZZI/AAAAAAAAMWI/6XxmT-cCqV4/s1600/quill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuDKEiyQrQw/VY3e9GO5ZZI/AAAAAAAAMWI/6XxmT-cCqV4/s200/quill.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the questions I used to ask online was this... <i>"Do you ever wish you lived in biblical times? &nbsp;If so, which era would you like to have lived in?"</i> &nbsp;Well, I'd get all kinds of responses, but the one response I never received was this... <i>"I am living in biblical times. &nbsp;I'm living in the end times spoken of by the prophets!"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, we are living in a really exciting time in history. &nbsp;We're living in a time that the saints before us could only dream about. &nbsp;Here we are in a world that is on the verge of having the total force of evil unleashed upon it as we and the Holy Spirit are taken out of the way at the time of the Rapture! As the world deteriorates, our one hope lies in the return of Yeshua our Bridegroom! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure many of us have wondered what it would be like to talk with someone we've read about in the bible. &nbsp;We'd like to know what they were thinking and what they were doing when God intervened in their lives. &nbsp;</span></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Moses, what are some of the details of the journey in the desert that weren't recorded in the bible?" &nbsp;</i></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Abraham, as you were leading your son to be sacrificed on the alter of God, how did you keep your composure?" &nbsp;</i></span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Rahab, when you let down that cord of scarlet, did you doubt you would survive when you saw the walls come crashing down all around the city?"</i></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we don't realize is that these very saints may come up to us to ask us questions about what was happening here on earth in the years leading up to the Rapture. <i>"What were you doing?" &nbsp;"What was the world experiencing?" "How powerful was the deception with which the enemy clouded the minds of unbelievers?" What were the signs that made you aware of the season of Yeshua's return?"</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are living biblical history and are witnesses to the continued fulfillment of prophecy as God allows mankind to destroy itself. &nbsp;We use our computers, phones, tablets, radios, televisions and printed media to follow the events as they unfold, most often in real time! &nbsp;Society seems to be decaying at a more rapid pace as citizens watch their personal liberties fade away, racism once again burns in the hearts of men, scandals and deception are expected of those holding public office, sexual perversion is accepted at the highest levels of government as witnessed by the Supreme Court's decision concerning same-sex marriage, military forces are positioning themselves, and long-held alliances between countries begin to crumble. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can also see the three major religions of the world begin to coalesce into a one world religion as the Catholic church begins to embrace Islam and Protestant religions.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We watch as...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The terrorist group IS decapitates Christian children and men as they rape and make sexual slaves of Christian women.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Iran is being allowed to continue it's uranium enrichment, which will eventually lead to the creation of nuclear weapons with which they can terrorize with world.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Israel continues to become more isolated as the United States begins to turn it's back on a long held alliance.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">China becomes the number one economy in the world and builds a technologically modern military.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The United States seems to make one misstep after another, causing our allies and enemies to see us as a declining world power.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earthquakes occur in greater number and in diverse places.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The governments of the world become more and more corrupt.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The heart of man grows cold.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Evil is spoken of as good, and good evil.</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are at the tail end of the church age, my brothers and sisters. We're not just close, we're <b>very</b> close to the Bridegroom's return. God never promised us that we would be exempt from persecution before the Rapture. In fact, it's to be expected as the dark ruler of this world continues to influence the nations, governments and peoples of this planet. Christian persecution won't just contain itself to other nations, it will shift to this country as well. Already Christians are being harassed, verbally and physically attacked, and forced to stand before a judge to explain their actions.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The legalization of murdering a child in the womb (abortion) flooded this nation with the sin of the spilled blood of the innocent, and now the Supreme Court has mocked God again by legalizing same-sex marriage. Now, matters have been made much worse. Born again believers don't see this decision as the rest of the world does. &nbsp;We see the spiritual implications. &nbsp;We <b>know</b> that God is not pleased, and we await His response as we go forward from here.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are dark times coming for the inhabitants of this free land and for the rest of the world. God's patience, though greater than we can possibly imagine, does run out. &nbsp;This may be the very thing that stirs that anger to overflowing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take heart, brothers and sisters. Although we are entering dark times, we live and operate in the light. We still have the opportunity to be beacons of light in this ever darkening world. Maybe, just maybe, as the world turns darker, those seeking the truth will see our light shine even brighter as this age comes to a close.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We're beating against the gates of hell in the name of Jesus and those gates cannot prevail against us as we break through them to rescue our brothers and sisters, armed with the sword of the spirit which is the word of God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As every day passes, the story we take with us into eternity grows in length and in detail. Now is the time to begin moving forward with more urgency, adding a new chapter to our story as we go forward from here. Time is short.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we get to heaven and share our story with the saints that have gone before us, what amazing things will your story hold?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Repent and be forgiven! &nbsp;Believe and be saved!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TribulationHarvest.net</b></span></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-83459997661727580792015-06-24T09:15:00.000-04:002015-07-30T12:09:59.322-04:00Experiencing Tribulation Packets - The Reboot<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This article is a&nbsp;supplement&nbsp;to my original article entitled, </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"<a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-rapturetribulation-packet.html" target="_blank">Making a Rapture/Tribulation Packet</a>."</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;This is not a "how-to" article. It's just an update about the retooling being done to the packet. If you want to read about how to create your own Rapture/Tribulation packet, please click on the link provided to you above.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, a bit of background&nbsp;information. Please bear with me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On May 4, 2013, I became homeless. &nbsp;I was unemployed and my benefits had completely run out. Since I had no option to store everything I had in my two bedroom apartment, I had to give away, throw away or sell most of what I had accumulated. Most went into the dumpster or was given away. &nbsp;Some was placed in bins to be sold at my sister's next yard sale... hey, I just realized that I never received a penny from that stuff! I even had to sell my car because I couldn't afford the insurance and couldn't legally park it on the street. &nbsp;What little I had that remained was placed in a few bins and stored in my sister's basement. Thankfully, God had given me enough wisdom to store away the basic items of my Experiencing Tribulation (ET) packets, including sample packets, paperback New Testaments, DVD envelopes, etc... &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, having been out on the streets for a couple of months, in a men's shelter for another six months, and in a transition house for another two months (for a total of 10 months), and because my sister gave me the ultimatum of taking everything or nothing, I wasn't able to retrieve the packet supplies, so work on the project was at a standstill. Thank God for His mercy upon my wretched life, because He blessed both my daughter and myself with jobs and a small apartment where we could rebuild our lives.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's taken me a while to get around to get the motivation to rebuild this ministry, but the work has begun and every day brings me closer to my goal of assembling these packets for distribution. I provide them <b>free of charge</b> and make <b>absolutely no money</b> off of this project. Any donations I may receive go directly back in to producing more packets. I have given them to unsaved family and friends and to those who hold to a false belief that their association with a particular religion or being a member of a particular church will bring them salvation. I've also mailed some out to born again believers I've met through social media who have expressed a desire to receive a copy so that they can leave it behind, in their home, for loved ones to find after they've been raptured.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Reboot</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After reviewing the information that I had placed in the original packets, I decided that it needed a reboot. The DVD was okay, but there were more videos that I wanted to add to it and I wanted to make the DVD itself look more pleasing to the eye, hence the desire to create DVD labels instead of using a Sharpie to write the title on the DVD.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you look at finished project that someone has created, it's easy to overlook how much work went into developing some of the individual pieces of that project. Take the DVD for instance. A lot of time and effort went into finding the right content. It's difficult to find good content that won't be considered by the unsaved to be "too preachy" or "confusing." They need milk, not meat, and I had to consider that when deciding what videos to burn onto the DVD. Then there was the project of finding the right software to upload them into so that I could burn the DVD. I had purchased some DVD's and some DVD envelopes already, so they were on hand and I didn't have to purchase those when I started the reboot, but had I not had them in my possession, I would have had to go out and purchase them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everything I've done with the DVD's up to this point hasn't put a strain on my wallet, but things are about to change. I've reached the next stage in this project and a trip to the store in unavoidable. &nbsp;I need to purchase a DVD label applicator (who knew there was such a thing... I certainly didn't), DVD labels and a color ink cartridge for my printer (which will be the most expensive thing I'll be purchasing for the entire packet). &nbsp;I've already designed the DVD label, so I need to purchase the items I've just listed, print the labels, stick them to the DVD's and slip them back in their envelopes. &nbsp;Fortunately, I put aside a little bit of money when I received my tax return in February, so I'll be using that to help finance this project. I specifically put that money aside to use to help support others in their ministry and to purchase things that I need to spread the word of God (tracts, t-shirts, etc...).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once the DVD's are completed and tucked away, there are a few more projects that will need my attention.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fNaUMbfzbo/VYpG2AFkxoI/AAAAAAAAMVE/wAlVHYDZRKQ/s1600/Photo03081356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fNaUMbfzbo/VYpG2AFkxoI/AAAAAAAAMVE/wAlVHYDZRKQ/s200/Photo03081356.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reboot Cover Coming Soon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Experiencing Tribulation Booklet</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I created a booklet to bring the reader through the scriptures, from the moments just after the Rapture takes place, to the resulting chaos, to the rise of the Antichrist, and ending with the Lord's return. I quote scripture (mostly from Revelation) and then paraphrase what God is revealing to us through His word. At the end of the booklet is a message about repentance and salvation. I didn't add any artwork to my original version, except for what is found on the cover. My initial thought was that artwork wasn't necessary. It wasn't going to be an issue after the Rapture because whoever was reading the booklet wasn't going to be interested in pictures, but in the information provided. Besides, artwork takes up valuable space and raises the final cost of printing, so I opted to nix the artwork. This time around, I'm going to put in a few graphics. I thought, because this isn't just something that will be accessed after the Rapture, I'm sure many individuals receiving these packets will want to open them up to see what's inside, just out of curiosity. Graphics was suddenly seen as necessary to the project.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because this is a reboot, I've already searched for and found some relevant graphics that&nbsp;I'm going to add, especially when it comes to the seven seals, trumpets, and bowl judgments. The number of pages will increase slightly, but I'm sure it will make for a more attractive booklet that will be more pleasing to the eye, which may help carry the reader on to each successive section of the booklet. I still need to review the body of the text to discern whether there are any rewrites to make. One thing about a project like this one, you can always find something that you feel can be rewritten. It gets to the point where you have to force yourself to stop and just complete the project or you'll never finish it. &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tribulation Timeline</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've created something I like to call a Tribulation Timeline. It's an 8.5x11 double sided paper that breaks down what will happen during the Tribulation and when it will happen. It's a shorthand version of my ET booklet. It's not as complicated and as intricate as a lot of the timelines out there, but it works. The only copy of the timeline that I have is in pdf format, so I can't edit it. &nbsp;It will need to be recreated, so there's another project to add to the list of things to be done before the packets can be assembled.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bibles</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I purchased some inexpensive paperback New Testament bibles a while back, so they were stored with the rest of the ET materials. I really found it useful to create some labels for the inside cover. They contain information that leads the reader through the salvation message from beginning to end. The labels provide scripture references and their corresponding page numbers to make it easier for the new believer to find. I've assume that new believers will be unfamiliar with the chapter/verse arrangement of the bible. To draw the reader's eye immediately to the scripture quoted, I've also underlined or highlighted those particular verses in the bible itself.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're going to copy this idea, I would suggest that you choose one bible and stick with it so that you don't have to be concerned about the page numbers on the labels matching the pages in the bible. Purchasing bibles from different publishers each time you order them means that you'll have to update your label information, and that's just more work. A paperback KJV from publisher #1 won't have the same set up as a paperback KJV from publisher #2, so stick with the same version from the same publisher unless you don't mind updating your labels.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I opted to purchase only the paperback New Testaments for several reasons:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They're less expensive than purchasing a paperback bible that includes both the OT and NT, allowing me to be able to purchase and distribute more of them.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since two thirds of the earth's population will expire before the Lord's return, most people will be living short lives. I felt it was better to leave them with information vital for their salvation.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Owning a bible will probably be outlawed, especially if someone identifies themselves as what the world, even now, calls a "fanatical" and "intolerant" individual. Remember, the Antichrist (after being possessed by the Devil himself) will demand to be worshiped. If preaching and sharing the word of God can be seen as hate&nbsp;speech&nbsp;in this day and age, imagine how it will be viewed under the authority of the Antichrist. A thin paperback New Testament will be less conspicuous hidden under clothing or stuffed in a bag if the need arises where born-again believers needs to carry it with them.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In order to complete this task, I will need to purchase the labels. The information to be printed on the labels will need to be double checked so that I can be sure that they reference the right pages in the right bible. Right now my stash contains two different paperback NT's. I'm not sure which version my labels reference. Then the labels will need to be affixed to the inside front cover in a specific order. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was using address labels to accomplish this, but I may switch over to one or two large labels. It would be less time consuming to attach them than it would be to attach all those small mailing labels.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The scriptures printed on these labels will need to be underlined or highlighted in the bible.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I said above, a lot of expense and work goes in to preparing everything before the packets can be made.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF5pVmh0BFo/VYpGSLTC9JI/AAAAAAAAMU0/5GJXg-JQdYo/s1600/Photo03081358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vF5pVmh0BFo/VYpGSLTC9JI/AAAAAAAAMU0/5GJXg-JQdYo/s200/Photo03081358.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Tracts</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tracts are very useful. They provide a synopsis of what our sinful nature and spiritual condition is, what God has done to rectify this condition, and our need to repent of our sin... to be born again... so that Jesus can restore our relationship with our heavenly Father by transforming us through His Holy Spirit. Finding a tract without a <b><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2014/09/should-we-be-encouraging-repeating-of.html" target="_blank">"pray this prayer"</a></b> section at the end can be difficult to find, but it's not impossible. Several have been included in previous ET packets, but I'll have to review them again to be sure they are&nbsp;appropriate&nbsp;for this reboot. The nice thing about tracts is that they're easy to obtain. They can be purchased at a local Christian book store or online, and they're relatively inexpensive. The ET packets usually contain anywhere from 3-6 tracts that all give the same message, but in different ways. &nbsp;It's important to remember that we don't know what audience we'll be reaching, so an assortment of tracts is a way of giving the message of salvation to people who have various personalities and respond to the written word in different ways. &nbsp;Some tracts have powerful artwork and don't hold back any punches, some are drawn like a cartoon and are lighthearted. The rest are somewhere in between. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The DVD described in one of the sections above was created in the same manner. There are three videos that are diverse in their approach to the subject of the Rapture and Tribulation. One is like a teaching video, one is like a heart to heart, person to person video and the one that was created through this ministry is just text and music. Then there are the animated videos that were included. Individuals who get their hands on the materials in the packet may be young or old. You have to try to make accommodations for a range of ages.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Music</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Music is an important part of a born-again believer's relationship with God. It's though music that we praise and worship Him with our voice. It can be difficult to limit yourself to the the number of songs that can fit on to one CD, but my advice would be to make a burn list and whittle it down until the software you're using shows that you are within the storage capacity of that particular CD.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Music transcends age, so it's not as difficult creating a music CD as it is in finding other things to fill the ET packet. You just have to be sure your list includes a lot of "middle of the road" songs. &nbsp;You don't want to have hard rock on your CD because a lot of people won't listen to it. You also don't want to have too many old gospel songs either, because that tends to put people to sleep. One or two of each within your collection is okay and offers the listener the opportunity to just skip over that song if they choose. Many contemporary Christian praise and worship songs would be good additions to your list.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some may ask me why I don't have an issue with burning copies of these songs on to a DVD and distributing them. For one, I'm not making any money off of it. Secondly, I know that in most cases the CD's will end up staying in the packet until after the Rapture. The individuals receiving the ET packets won't actually access the music on the CD's until we're already gone. The unsaved are NOT going to be popping this CD in to their player and listening to it unless it's out of curiosity, and even then it will most likely be a one time thing. It will end up back in the packet with the rest of the,&nbsp;<i>"You take this religion thing too seriously,"</i> Christian stuff. Remember, these are individuals who have rejected God outright or who are following the path of false religion.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Packaging Everything Up, Including The Little Extras</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are several ways you can package up this information. &nbsp;Some people use small plastic containers or bins while others use boxes,&nbsp;manila&nbsp;envelopes, shrink wrap, etc...&nbsp;&nbsp;At one point, I was using shrink wrap. I purchased the clear shrinkable envelopes and the electric sealer, but I realized there was a major problem with that. Although the sealed shrink wrap protected the contents, there was no way I could add to what I had already sealed in the package. If I found an item that would make a great addition to the packet (small business card sized scripture cards, book marks, home made cross necklace, etc...), I wouldn't be able to add it to the packet because the packet would have already been sealed and shrink wrapped. The solution, for me, was to find something resealable that was made in a material that would protect the contents from the elements. I opted to use zip-lock freezer bags.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plastic is pretty thick and it helps to protect the contents from dust, dirt and moisture.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're giving a prepackaged packet to a family member or friend, you can unzip it and add a personal note or letter. You can also add personal photos and anything else that you think this particular individual would want to have after you're gone. You can even make your own DVD that personally addresses this individual... leaving a piece of yourself behind for them to watch and listen to once you're gone.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In Closing</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, getting all the pieces of the puzzle in place can be pretty time consuming and will most likely involve some out of pocket expense, but the end result is worth it. Creating content is the toughest part of the entire process. Once you have the content, it's just a matter of copying that content over and over again, and that's easy.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start by creating a generic resealable packet that can be given to anyone. If you wish, you can then take a few of those packets and update, upgrade and personalize them, tailoring them to the person or group you're passing it along to.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do I get them in the hands of my family and friends? &nbsp;What I like to do is ask them if they would do me a personal favor and just take the packet and put it away somewhere safe. Then I say that if billions of people suddenly disappear (something they believe is just religious fanatic&nbsp;talk), then they have the information they need to understand exactly what has happened and what is coming next. They'll usually take the packet out of love, respect or courtesy for you.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Updates</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will try to remember to update this article as the reboot progresses, explaining further what has been done thus far. By the time this article is published and shared, I will have burned 22 copies of the DVD and slipped them into their paper envelopes. The next step will be to purchase what I need to create the labels for them. I'll keep you posted on my progress.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBL3ryrDA_E/VbTsEFV_t9I/AAAAAAAAMm8/JKHKJDar-ME/s1600/2012-03-24%2B13.31.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBL3ryrDA_E/VbTsEFV_t9I/AAAAAAAAMm8/JKHKJDar-ME/s200/2012-03-24%2B13.31.18.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRdyXPHRIZg/VZK7pxe1WgI/AAAAAAAAMZg/dyagsbC6XWY/s1600/2015-06-30%2B11.18.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRdyXPHRIZg/VZK7pxe1WgI/AAAAAAAAMZg/dyagsbC6XWY/s200/2015-06-30%2B11.18.06.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Update: June 30, 2015 -&nbsp;</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Purchased the DVD labels</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and the label applicator. Created the label on the Avery web site today and the results can be seen here on the left. You can see the label applicator and a DVD that has not yet been labeled. Below the unlabeled DVD is one that is ready to go! All of the other DVD's have been slipped into their protective paper sleeves. The photo on the right shows the older version of the DVD label. I think you'll agree that the reboot is a great improvement.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Update: July 5, 2015 -</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;I've reviewed and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;updated some of the information inside the Experiencing Tribulation booklet. I've also made a revision to the cover. Here are the old and new covers side by side.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Wbf95Ke4E/VZmY_BExWOI/AAAAAAAAMe4/vg_MWVKEGh8/s1600/Photo03081356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8Wbf95Ke4E/VZmY_BExWOI/AAAAAAAAMe4/vg_MWVKEGh8/s200/Photo03081356.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Version</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVMeSSBlJm0/VZmZGufeO8I/AAAAAAAAMfE/htpJ7YXzjRY/s1600/2015-07-05%2B13.22.12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVMeSSBlJm0/VZmZGufeO8I/AAAAAAAAMfE/htpJ7YXzjRY/s200/2015-07-05%2B13.22.12-1.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebooted Version</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost finished editing the guts of the rebooted booklet. Just need to take my notes and make the changes in the document itself. Will be heading to the printer's next. There's not much time before Rosh Hashanah 2015 and you never know if this will be the year of our Bridegroom's return. I have to get this booklet completed ASAP. It's the last thing I need to complete before putting the packets together. I'll be making a video to show how I do that.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Repent and be forgiven! &nbsp;Believe and be saved!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TribulationHarvest.net</b></span></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-78810839583179077072015-06-16T20:28:00.002-04:002015-07-30T11:59:17.459-04:00The Four Horsemen - The Rider On The White Horse<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Go online and click on your favorite search engine. Type in "Four Horsemen of Revelation" and then click on images. In quite a few images that you find of the four horsemen spoken of in the book of Revelation, you'll find that the rider of&nbsp;the white horse is holding a bow and is pulling the string taut as he prepares to fire an arrow. The majority of the images of this rider also depict him as wearing a golden crown. There's a problem with these images... they're not accurate interpretations of the word of God.</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgt0fwtQyDY/VYC8n71X06I/AAAAAAAAMQs/FAHl_R2FayQ/s1600/White%2BHorse%2BRider%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pgt0fwtQyDY/VYC8n71X06I/AAAAAAAAMQs/FAHl_R2FayQ/s200/White%2BHorse%2BRider%2BB.jpg" width="195" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rider with arrow at the ready.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book of Revelation states that the rider of the white horse has a bow, but it makes no mention of any arrow. Here, read it for yourself,&nbsp;</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">"<b>And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;</b> and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer."</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Rev 6:2.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do most pictures of this rider on the white horse show him ready to fire an arrow? I can only speculate, but you have to admit that a rider ready to let fly his deadly arrow makes for a dramatic scene, right? We also have to consider that artists often take liberties when it comes to creating artwork that pertains to scripture. Many artists may be relying on their own worldly understanding of who or what the four horsemen really are, relying on stories they've heard or images they've seen, perpetuating the false picture of arrows and golden crowns. No matter what the reason, the image does not line up with biblical truth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkuysGpbYlI/VYC88uvxNCI/AAAAAAAAMQ8/qx2ln1P7P_0/s1600/White%2BHorse%2BRider%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkuysGpbYlI/VYC88uvxNCI/AAAAAAAAMQ8/qx2ln1P7P_0/s200/White%2BHorse%2BRider%2BA.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">Rider wearing a laurel crown.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What kind of crown is the rider of the white horse wearing? &nbsp;</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">"And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; <b>and a crown was given unto him:</b> and he went forth conquering and to conquer."</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Rev 6:2. <b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2013/01/when-is-crown-not-crown.html" target="_blank">There are two words for "crown" in the bible</a></span></u></b>. &nbsp;One is a "diadem," which is a kingly crown. &nbsp;The other is a "stephanos," which is a victor's crown. In the case of the rider on the white horse, the latter is used in this scripture. &nbsp;He's not wearing a gold kingly crown, he's wearing a victor's crown, like a crown of laurel leaves.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are then told that, <i><span style="color: #4c1130;">"he went forth conquering and to conquer." </span></i>&nbsp;That can be a little confusing, since he's not really wielding a formidable weapon, right? I'll explain that in a moment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Let's paint this picture correctly now, shall we? &nbsp;</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">"And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow;"&nbsp;</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rider on the white horse symbolically has a weapon in his hand, but it is of no threat to anyone because a bow, without arrows, is really no weapon at all. This symbolizes that he will arrive on the scene as a man with a powerful but non-threatening personality. His choice of weapon will not be of military means, but of a personality that exudes confidence and authority, offering sound diplomatic solutions to the world's ills (especially the problems that have dominated the Middle East since the birth of Israel).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">"...and a crown was <b>given</b> unto him: and he went forth conquering and to conquer."</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The laurel crown that the rider is described as wearing is a symbol of the authority that he will have during this critical time in earth's history. &nbsp;It is an authority that has not been earned by him, but, as the scripture states, an authority that is <b>given</b> to him. Who gives man authority, whether it's you, me or the Antichrist? You know the answer... God. God allows Satan to begin ramping up his end-time plan with the introduction of this rider on the white horse.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, what does he conquer? He conquers the minds and hearts of mankind. To the world, he will be seen as a "savior." He attempts to bring the world together in a one world system of government, religion and economics. You are probably telling yourself, "Surely everyone will see through this man." Your assumption would be incorrect. I say that because scripture also states, <i><span style="color: #4c1130;">"And&nbsp;for&nbsp;this cause&nbsp;God shall send them </span><b><u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2014/08/and-god-will-send-them-strong-delusion.html" target="_blank">strong delusion</a></span></u></b><span style="color: #4c1130;">, that they should believe a lie: </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-small;"><b>12</b></span><span style="color: #4c1130;"> That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." </span></i>2 Thess 2:11-12.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next time you see a picture of the rider on the white horse, check out the weapon he's holding and the crown he's wearing. &nbsp;You'll find, like I did, that most of the artistic interpretations of this portion of scripture depict a rider with one or both of these errors contained in their artwork.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-77612468489292438912015-05-06T11:36:00.000-04:002015-07-30T12:03:22.549-04:00Christians Have Become Walking Billboards For The World<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've all seen it. Most of us have participated in it. Some have discarded the practice while most continue with these displays of love and affection. What am I referring to? Branding. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business. Effective branding gives a business an edge and increases sales, so if a business can get customers to love their brand, then their customers will unwittingly become free walking billboards for them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiFrJJooqcU/VUmGyb6n0JI/AAAAAAAALkQ/BJ87siVbWEE/s1600/Brand-Name-Logos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiFrJJooqcU/VUmGyb6n0JI/AAAAAAAALkQ/BJ87siVbWEE/s1600/Brand-Name-Logos.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just sit down in any high traffic area, and do a little people watching. More specifically, look at what they're wearing and what they're carrying. What does it say on that t-shirt? On that hat? On that handbag? On that canvas bag? On their cell phone cover? What message are they attempting to communicate with the general populace? "I love this team, this entertainer, this athlete, this video game, this movie, this quirky saying, these animals, this drink, this food... this brand." They're also sending messages like, "I'm humorous, I'm sexy, I'm angry, I'm patriotic, I'm antisocial... I'm pro-abortion... I'm with Stupid." Now, how many people do you see wearing an article of clothing that shouts, "I love Jesus... Jesus is the most important thing in my life... Jesus died for you... I am a born again believer in Christ!" Yeah... not so many. Most likely, not even one. Why is that? Why is branding yourself to the world okay as long as the message being displayed in no way points to Jesus?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can understand when the unsaved wear this type of clothing. They're part of the world system and have a herd mentality. Christians, on the other hand, are supposed to be different. We're not supposed to reflect the world, we're supposed to reflect Jesus. So why do we still wear these items of worldly affection? We're not supposed to blend in with the herd, but stand out as a peculiar people. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess branding is like anything else. We've done it for so long that it's just natural. No one gives it a second thought. We've allowed ourselves to believe that the reasons the world uses to wear these things is a valid reason for us, as Christians, to wear them as well.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we want to show our support for our favorite sports team or athlete, we wear the team jersey. If we have something to say, we find a shirt that expresses that thought. If we have a favorite brand, we like to wear it and declare our devotion to it. If we support a cause, we shout it out to the world so that hopefully they will get on board and lend their support as well. So, where is our devotion to Jesus? If Jesus is such an influential part of our lives, why is there so little (if any) branding for Him in our lives? &nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wearing clothing that includes branding conveys a message. It says that this message is so important to us on a personal level that we feel the need to share it with everyone else by wearing it out in public. If I asked you to inspect the clothes in your closet and in your dresser drawers, how many items of clothing would you be able to find that had some sort of Christian message on it? I'm not talking about something you only wear to church or to Christian events. I'm talking normal daily outerwear. A vast number of Christians would say that they had none. Now look again and count how many articles of clothing you own that has some type of branding on it (sports, movies, products, etc...)? Did you find any with the Nike swish, the logo of your favorite sports team, or Star Wars plastered across the chest? Why is the message of the world so much more important to Christians to display on their chest, on their back and on their head than the message of the cross? We need to think about that.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's an example of something that happened to me years ago. I'm from the Northeast and folks around here are great New England Patriots fans. I needed a new hat, so I purchased a Patriot's hat. Well, don't you know that from the moment I put that hat on, Patriots fans began striking up conversations with me about how the team and individual players were doing. Here I was, a walking billboard for the Patriots brand and I wasn't even a football fan, but the hat was all people needed to see. Do you see where I'm going with this? What if I were wearing a Jesus hat or a Jesus t-shirt? I'd be a billboard for Jesus and maybe, just maybe, I'd get some people coming up to me to talk about Him. &nbsp;It wouldn't even matter if I received a positive or negative reaction because who knows how many other people standing around us would hear a bit of the gospel during that conversation and have a seed planted in their heart?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My brothers and sisters, please listen to me. We have one message to proclaim to the world, and that message isn't about how much we like a particular brand, movie, actor, athlete, entertainer, animal, etc... The message we're supposed to be proclaiming is salvation through Jesus... believe and repent.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXuXiSLud0U/VUmHBgN63gI/AAAAAAAALkY/0rtg_5RmSr4/s1600/Got%2BJesus%2B229.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXuXiSLud0U/VUmHBgN63gI/AAAAAAAALkY/0rtg_5RmSr4/s1600/Got%2BJesus%2B229.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, I'm not saying that you have to wear Christian clothing every time you leave the house. What I <b>am</b> saying is that if we're going to be wearing any branding, it should be something that points the sinner toward Jesus. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a hat that I wear for work. It has the company logo on it. When I'm not working, I don't wear it. Why? Because&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't want everyone's eyes and mind to be focused on a worldly brand. &nbsp;I work for the company, but the company isn't my life. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead, I wear a black hat with a simple black cross on it. When people see my hat, their eyes and mind are focused on Jesus, even if it's only for a few seconds. The Holy Spirit can do a lot in a few seconds. Every once in a while someone will comment on the hat as they walk past me. That's great, but I also think about all the others who saw it and didn't say a word to me. What was going on in their mind and in their heart as they walked past me? Only God knows.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We need to come out from the world and show them that our love for Jesus is greater than our love for worldly branding. Wouldn't we rather brand Jesus at a sporting event, a company BBQ, the beach or park, amusement park, county fair, or any other setting where there could be tens, hundreds or even thousands of people around us rather than branding something of this world that is here today and gone tomorrow? Wouldn't we be more productive as born again believers in Christ if we invested in the advancement of the kingdom of God which lasts forever! &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Let's get back to early church branding and declare who we are in Christ.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzEpoA9K5j8/VUoyjtLuN7I/AAAAAAAALnQ/ItSGcV_PawY/s1600/ChristianFish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzEpoA9K5j8/VUoyjtLuN7I/AAAAAAAALnQ/ItSGcV_PawY/s1600/ChristianFish.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-38203766529604831152015-04-15T12:12:00.002-04:002015-07-30T12:09:15.075-04:00Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Pt. 3 - The Slow Motion Replay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQjfAz9UkRw/VS58EcIVpDI/AAAAAAAALfk/i-Jf0f10pnE/s1600/two%2Bwitnesses%2Brise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQjfAz9UkRw/VS58EcIVpDI/AAAAAAAALfk/i-Jf0f10pnE/s1600/two%2Bwitnesses%2Brise.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>First, scripture:</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: purple;">“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. </span><b>4</b><span style="color: purple;">These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. </span><b>5</b><span style="color: purple;">And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. </span><b>6</b></i></span><i style="color: purple; text-align: justify;">These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. </i><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>7</b></i><i style="color: purple; text-align: justify;">When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. </i><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>8</b></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple;">And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.</span>&nbsp;<b>9</b><span style="color: purple;">Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.</span>&nbsp;<b>10</b><span style="color: purple;">And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. </span><b>11</b></i><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple;">But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them.</span>&nbsp;</i><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>12</b><span style="color: purple;">And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’ Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them.</span>&nbsp;<b>13</b><span style="color: purple;">And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven."</span></i><i style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</i><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>&nbsp;</i><o:p></o:p></span><b style="text-align: justify;">Revelation 11:3-13</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Some see this an an example of a mid-trib Rapture, using the two witnesses as examples of what will be happening in the rest of the world at this moment in time, but if that is the case, then where are the references to every other believer being raptured at that time? &nbsp;There aren't any. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here we have a major event. &nbsp;These two witnesses cause a worldwide drought, turn fresh water in to blood, and cause all kinds of plagues to inflict those who have not accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah. The Antichrist, now possessed by the Devil himself, is allowed by God to kill these two men and the Antichrist now becomes a 'god' to those who have been deceived and who will look to anyone else but Yeshua as their 'savior.' &nbsp;The world rejoices to the point of giving gifts to one another in celebration of the deaths of these two men who they blame for causing such suffering in the world. The world is so depraved at this point, that the corpses of these two men are left on the ground to rot.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something happens three and a half days later that causes the unbelieving world to acknowledge God for who He is. The two witnesses return to life and God audibly calls them back to heaven, rising up to heaven just like Jesus did... on a cloud. &nbsp;If this truly is the rapture, why is there no mention of any other believer being raptured at this time? The reason there is no mention of the millions of Christians being raptured is because the two witnesses are the only ones who will be rising up to heaven during this mid-trib event. &nbsp;God wants the focus to be on the two witnesses at this moment in time. &nbsp;Why?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the Rapture takes place, most people will refuse to believe that it has anything to do with God. &nbsp;Unbelievers will use their human intellect to devise a whole host of theories to explain away the disappearances. &nbsp;Some may blame aliens, some may say that our universe may have momentarily made contact with a parallel universe, some may say that the earth purged itself of excess humans to protect itself, some may say that those individuals who disappeared evolved to a higher form of consciousness ... the list goes on and on. &nbsp;Most will do anything to reject the fact that Jesus came to retrieve His "bride" and whisk her to safety before the horror of what was about to happen on earth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Slow Motion Replay</b><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here we have a population that has devised theories about the disappearances and have rejected the notion of a "rapture." &nbsp;As the two witnesses do their thing, more and more people will begin to focus on them. &nbsp;It will take three and a half years before every individual in the world finally focuses their full attention on these two witnesses and call for their deaths. &nbsp;So what happens next? &nbsp;Well, if they don't want to believe that Yeshua raptured true born-again believers in the blink of an eye, then perhaps they'll believe what is about to happen in full view of the entire population of the planet.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The two men are raised back to life... right before their eyes! &nbsp;No quick disappearance for these two. &nbsp;God is going to show the world that it was He that caused the disappearances 3.5 years beforehand and He's going to give the world a slow motion replay using these two men now standing before them. God then audibly... AUDIBLY... calls them back to heaven! &nbsp;Everyone hears Him speak the words! &nbsp;Then these men don't just disappear like the millions that were raptured... no. &nbsp;They rise up to heaven in a cloud, just like Jesus did. Then, to put an exclamation point on the end of this event, God causes an earthquake that topples one tenth of Jerusalem and kills exactly 7,000 people. Do the people react as they did before, when the rapture happened? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;The scripture shared at the beginning of this article says that "<i>the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven." &nbsp;</i>Some will truly <u>repent</u> and <u>believe</u>, but most will go back to life as usual once the experience has worn off.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God, throughout the entire Tribulation period, continues to give unbelievers the opportunity to repent and be forgiven, believe and be saved. &nbsp;It's kicked off by the Rapture and is followed by the seven seal judgments and trumpet judgments. &nbsp;After that, the two witnesses are raised back to life, are called by God Himself, and rise to heaven in view of the entire population of the planet (via media of course). Then the seventh trumpet sounds, there is silence in heaven for about half an hour, and the Great Tribulation begins, with the release of the seven bowl judgments over the next 3.5 years. &nbsp;After all this, most will continue to reject God and even look up and shake their fist at Him in defiance, blaspheming the God of heaven.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This, in addition to the other reasons I've given in my two previous articles, is why I believe in a pre-trib Rapture.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you would like to read the first two articles in this series, please click on the links below:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-i-believe-in-pre-tribulation.html" target="_blank">Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Pt. 1 - The 24 Elders</a></u></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2013/03/why-i-believe-in-pre-tribulation_26.html" target="_blank">Why I Believe In A Pre-Tribulation Rapture Pt. 2 - Noah, Lot And Rabbit Holes</a></u></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />If you would like to read a more detailed article written about the two witnesses, please go to the top of this page and click on the tab "The Two Witnesses."</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-72112222113567301782015-03-15T16:31:00.001-04:002015-07-30T12:10:28.406-04:00The Third Temple And Zion<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Could the Third Temple be constructed in an area other than the Temple Mount?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I share my thoughts on this subject, let me first lay some groundwork. It's safe to say that most Jews have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah (Mashiach), and because of that, they believe that there are two different outcomes in biblical prophecy concerning His arrival. In one scenario, scripture describes Him humbly entering Jerusalem on a donkey. In the second scenario, scripture describes Him arriving triumphantly in the sky on a cloud. In order to bring some sort of sense to what seems to them to be conflicting scripture, many Jews see these as two separate but linked prophecies. They believe that their&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Messiah</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;will arrive in one of these two ways, but they don't know exactly&nbsp;which prophecy will be fulfilled.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many Jews believe that these two prophecies hinge on the status of the Third Temple&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Third Bet-Hamikdash)&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">at the time of the Messiah's arrival.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Jews also have the same issue with the scriptures that describe the Third Temple as they do with the scriptures describing the arrival of the Messiah. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To the Jews, there seems to be a conflict in scripture, and the way to reconcile that is for the Jews to believe that God will choose which prophecy will be fulfilled. Many Jews believe that if they build the Third Temple, then the Messiah will return triumphantly</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. If they do not build it before the Messiah's return, then the Messiah will return as a meek and gentle ruler on a donkey and, as Messiah, will order the Jewish nation to build the Third Temple</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The Jews are so conditioned to understanding God's interaction with them through the physical Temple, that they don't recognize that these scriptures relate to a more personal relationship. An actual physical presence of the Messiah outside the confines of a man made temple. That is one of the reasons they rejected Yeshua as their Messiah. They either didn't understand the scriptures or they were so entrenched in tradition that they ignored scripture in favor of their own traditions, which they made equal with scripture, and completely missed who Jesus was.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a recent article published entitled, </span><a href="http://www.wnd.com/2015/03/holy-altar-constructed-for-third-jewish-temple/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>"Holy Alter Constructed For The Third Jewish Temple."</b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;This article explains that the alter of burnt offerings has been completed and that everything is ready for the rebuilding of the Third Temple right here and right now. There are just two obstacles preventing this, one&nbsp;of which is the right to free and&nbsp;unencumbered&nbsp;access to the Temple Mount. This is where we take a turn and head&nbsp;down another path.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gg7u8bGjcrQ/VQUEhCHwKwI/AAAAAAAALRA/1-mFVFuV-Hw/s1600/Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gg7u8bGjcrQ/VQUEhCHwKwI/AAAAAAAALRA/1-mFVFuV-Hw/s1600/Temple.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've just finished reading a book&nbsp;<a href="http://superstore.wnd.com/TEMPLE-Amazing-New-Discoveries-That-Change-Everything-About-the-Location-of-Solomons-Temple" target="_blank"><b>"Temple"</b></a> by Robert Cornuke. It deals with old and new discoveries about the placement of the First and Second temples. The author discusses his belief that the First and Second Temples weren't constructed on the Temple Mount, but in the lower part of Jerusalem known as the City of David. Yes, that idea made my mind swim with questions and possibilities that I had never entertained before. &nbsp;The author quotes scripture that describe where the First Temple (Solomon's Temple) was to be placed (hint: It wasn't built in the area commonly known as the Temple Mount). The Second Temple was then built upon the site where the First Temple had been. The Second Temple (Herod's Temple) was the one that was standing when Yeshua was here on earth. The Romans, in 70 AD, destroyed the Second Temple, leaving no visible traces of it behind. What were Jesus' prophetic words when discussing the Second Temple?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>"And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? &nbsp;verily I say unto you, <u>There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.</u>"</i></span> Matthew 24:2</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've underlined those words because they are very important... not one stone would be left upon another... they would all be thrown down. Certainly Jesus didn't mean there wouldn't be <b>any</b> stones left stacked one upon another, did He? Maybe just a few? Maybe 50? 20? 7? 2? If we take Yeshua's word as truth, there would be none. NONE! If that is the case, how do you explain the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem? How can it be part of the Second Temple if Jesus himself stated that <i><span style="color: #660000;">"There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down"</span></i>? Either Jesus was a false Prophet, or the Western Wall isn't part of the Second Temple. That's when I began to understand that the Jews have been worshiping and preparing to build their Third Temple on the wrong plot of land!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How could they (and we) get it so wrong? Well, we need to remember that the Jews were absent from the land for hundreds of years (generations upon generations). The Romans had undertaken the destruction of the Second Temple and in doing so, utterly destroyed any visible trace of where it had been built.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They had done such a thorough job of dismantling&nbsp;the Temple and using&nbsp;the raw materials for other building projects, that there was no&nbsp;trace above ground (hint) of where the Temples may have been located.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also add to that the ravages of time upon the land where wind, rain and overgrowth had stripped the land of any&nbsp;discernible&nbsp;signs of where the Temple had once stood, and we&nbsp;can understand why the Jews, upon their return to the land so many generations later, had difficulty pinpointing exactly where the Temples had once stood. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After investigating the lay of the land, the Jews eventually arrived at a list of four possible areas where they believed the Temples may have been located. It was more of an educated guess and not based on scripture or physical evidence. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some time later, the words of one highly respected religious leader put the seal of approval on the Temple Mount. His word was so respected and his conviction so strong, that the Temple Mount officially became recognized as the place where the Temples had once stood, even though they had no proof to make that claim. It seemed the most "logical" choice at that time because they believed the large stone wall (the Western Wall or Wailing Wall) was so grand that it must have been part of the Second Temple. What they didn't (and still don't) realize was that the place they deemed holy was actually a place built by their&nbsp;oppressors. It is </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">not</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;part of the Second Temple. Not even close!&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you find out what the "Wailing Wall" really is, your mind will be blown. I know mine was. Want to know what it is? Read the <a href="http://superstore.wnd.com/TEMPLE-Amazing-New-Discoveries-That-Change-Everything-About-the-Location-of-Solomons-Temple" target="_blank">book</a>...lol. If I told you what it was, then I'd have to spend a long time explaining what the book seems to do so well.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also not going to venture into a deep explanation of all the other scripture references and&nbsp;archaeological&nbsp;discoveries that have been made to support the idea that the First and Second Temples were actually located in the city of David, a name which is synonymous with Jerusalem. That would take up too much time, making this article far too long, and it would rob&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Robert Cornuke&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of the opportunity of sharing his discoveries through the book he worked on so diligently.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jHlBhgZa0g/VQYmA-C7ZKI/AAAAAAAALRM/Kd3_I4J8NRs/s1600/tabernacle-holy-of-holies-2_med_hr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jHlBhgZa0g/VQYmA-C7ZKI/AAAAAAAALRM/Kd3_I4J8NRs/s1600/tabernacle-holy-of-holies-2_med_hr.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know that some of you may be asking, "But isn't Zion Jerusalem?" Jerusalem and the City of David are synonymous. David captured Jerusalem by capturing it's seat of power ("the castle of Zion" 1Chronicles 11:5), which came to be known as the city of David. The Jerusalem that we know of today didn't exist at that time. &nbsp;The city of David (or Jerusalem) expanded in the 8th century BC under the rule of King Hezekiah, making it necessary to build a protective wall around the area which expanded to the hill west of the city. This is the area we now call the Old City. The "city of David" and "Jerusalem" were one in the same. Time passed and the population shifted. Unfortunately, by medieval times, the original area known as the city of David was left&nbsp;abandoned while "Jerusalem" remained. This may be how it&nbsp;erroneously&nbsp;became&nbsp;known as two distinct cities,&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but that is&nbsp;historically and biblically inaccurate. "Jerusalem" is the city of David.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where does the bible state that Zion is located? Look here...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #660000;">"And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. &nbsp;</i><b style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;">5</b><i style="color: #660000;">&nbsp;And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. &nbsp;Nevertheless David took the <u>castle of&nbsp;</u></i><u style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;">Zion, which is the city of David</u><i style="color: #660000;">." </i>1</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chronicles 11:4-5</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the&nbsp;inhabitants&nbsp;of the&nbsp;land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither; thinking, David cannot come hither. &nbsp;<b>7</b>&nbsp;<u>Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion:&nbsp;<b>the same is the city of David</b></u>."&nbsp;</span></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;2 Samuel 5:6-7</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i>"Then Solomon&nbsp;began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem in Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared unto David his father <u>in the place that David had prepared in the <b>threshing floor</b> of Ornan the Jebusite.</u>"</i></span> 2Chronicles 3:1</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These scriptures can be confusing if you don't realize that the words "city of David" and "Jerusalem" are interchangeable. &nbsp;They mean the same thing. So, where is Zion? <b>Zion is within the original&nbsp;boundaries&nbsp;of the city of David</b>. Zion is where the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite was. It was never within the&nbsp;boundaries&nbsp;of modern Jerusalem, it has always been and always will be within the original&nbsp;boundaries&nbsp;of the city of&nbsp;David.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because the location of Zion was lost to history, modern historians eventually started a new tradition that was going to become just as entrenched in the Jewish psyche as the Temple Mount would become. They moved Zion from the city of David, to the southern portion of the "Western Hill," which is called Zion to this day. They did this for no&nbsp;apparent&nbsp;scriptural or historical reason.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Temple Mount has been burned into the minds and hearts of the Jewish nation as being the place where the Temples were built in the past. It is a religious tradition that is deeply ingrained, so much so that even </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the rest of the world has&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">been convinced that it must be true. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the author of "Temple" is correct, as many Christians, scholars and archaeologists believe that he is, then the Third Temple should be built in the city of David, just below the heights of Jerusalem.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It seems impossible that the Jews would ever accept an alternate place to build the Third Temple, but then again we believe in biblical prophecy which states that the Third Temple will be built at the beginning of the 7-year Tribulation. With the tensions on the Temple Mount, how can this be accomplished? I don't believe that the Muslims will agree to allow the Jews to build on the Temple Mount (besides, it wouldn't technically fit there anyway). What I think will happen is that the Third Temple will be built where it belongs, in the city of David. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much needs to happen before the Jews would even consider such a thing. The Jews would have to be willing to let go of their long held belief that the Temple Mount was the site of the two previous Temples. They would have to be willing to look at the evidence unearthed by archaeologists in the city of David who have&nbsp;excavated much of the evidence needed to prove that the previous Temples were located on that very site (Again, you'll need to read the book to find out exactly what they've discovered). They would need to cede the fact that Zion is not where recent historical tradition says it is and would then need to re-designate the city of David as Zion in total agreement with scripture. I believe that once the Jewish people have grasped the truth and have come to terms with the error of their long held traditions concerning such matters, it will be only a matter of time before they abandon the Temple Mount in favor of the city of David and commence major work on excavating the site and begin actual construction of the Third Temple. &nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It could happen at any time. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Temple instruments, robes, high priest crown, menorah, trumpets, alters, etc... are ready to go once the Third Temple has been built. There are only two things standing in the way.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first is access to the Temple Mount. I believe that God has placed this stumbling block before them because this is not where He wants the Third Temple built. I believe that eventually the Jews will understand that the Third Temple needs to be constructed in the city of David.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second is the the need for the ashes of a red heifer. The waters of purification need to be made from these ashes, and as far as I am aware, a red heifer has not been born that meets their strict requirements. We have seen in the past how archaeologists have discovered items pertaining to the Second Temple. I'm referring to the anointing oil (made from trees that no longer exist and an oil thought to be lost forever) and the blue dye used for the priest's robes. You can read about those amazing discoveries </span><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2013/08/fascinating-information-about.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. Could the ashes of the red heifer be hiding in a cave waiting for the Lord to direct someone there to discover them just as they discovered the anointing oil and the blue die? As the previous link proves, it can happen.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zion, the city of David, the original place of the two previous Temples... who will bring this new revelation to the Jews in a way that will cause them to finally see the truth and change their minds? Could it be the one who is&nbsp;prophesied&nbsp;to enter the world&nbsp;stage at this critical time in earth history? Could it be the one who brokers a peace agreement with Israel and her neighbors? Could it be the one who born again believers know by the names "Antichrist" and "Beast?" It's possible. Satan knows where the previous temples were located. He could easily influence events and use the Antichrist to solve the most pressing problem in the Middle East today. Imagine being the "one" who brought peace to the Middle East by convincing the Jews to abandon their claim to the Temple Mount in favor of building the Third Temple in the city of David. The Muslims would have their Temple Mount and the Jews would have their Third Temple. Both would be indebted to such a man.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing is sure, God will allow the Jews to fulfill their desire to build the Temple. It must be there as end-time prophecy unfolds. It is the same Temple that the Antichrist will defile 3.5 years into the peace agreement, which will usher in another 3.5 years of what is known as the Great Tribulation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is a part of history that we will not be witnesses to when it happens. If you believe, as I do, in a pre-Tribulation Rapture, then we'll be gone before the building of the Temple even begins. That will be a story best told by those who are left behind and who live through such a time.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know you have questions and you have your own personal ingrained beliefs that seem to be in direct conflict to what I am sharing. All I can ask is that you read the book. Get it from the library, borrow it from a friend or purchase a copy for yourself. Then pray and ask the Lord to open your mind and your heart to the possibility that the Temple Mount is not the area where the first two Temples were built.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God bless!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-71524338627537016292015-03-05T23:17:00.001-05:002015-07-30T12:10:51.843-04:00An Eternity In Hell - It's Not As Much TIME As You Think<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God is eternal, and with that, we understand that "time" is an&nbsp;anomaly. Time is&nbsp;something that God created in which the universe, including mortal man, would exist. Time is temporary and will be done away with at the end of the millennial reign of Yeshua.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJcDcofLLvM/VPklKKOLe8I/AAAAAAAALI4/Nt_NiYSiPxc/s1600/heaven%2Bhell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJcDcofLLvM/VPklKKOLe8I/AAAAAAAALI4/Nt_NiYSiPxc/s1600/heaven%2Bhell.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we think about eternity, whether it is in reference to spending eternity in heaven or in the lake of fire, our mind perceives eternity as a length of time. The concept of eternity is difficult for us to comprehend because we're creatures who have always existed in a universe where time exists... where there is a beginning and end to everything. "Forever" means a future which is never ending, but eternity encompasses more than just future time. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is no adequate explanation of what eternity is. &nbsp;Many brilliant men have attempted to understand the vastness of what eternity encompasses, but they have come up short.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever wrestled with the thought of people spending eternity in hell where they will experience never-ending suffering without the possibility of reprieve? The concept of someone suffering not for a hundred years or a thousand years, not for a million years or a billion years, but suffering forever and without end makes us uncomfortable and can cause us to question how God could put someone through that much pain for so long a period of time. If it's difficult for born again believers to comprehend, it's no wonder that Atheists and agnostics don't understand this and use this as a defense in rejecting the&nbsp;existence&nbsp;of the Judeo-Christian God of the&nbsp;bible.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ahhh, but there we go again trying to reconcile the concept of eternity with the only thing we know...time. We know that eternity has no beginning and no end. God has always been and always will be. He has no beginning and no end. No one created Him because He has always been.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #4c1130;"><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #4c1130;">"Hast thou not known? has thou not heard, that the <b>everlasting</b> God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary..."</i> Isa 40:28<span style="color: #4c1130;"> &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #4c1130;">"But thou, O LORD, shalt&nbsp;endure&nbsp;<b>for ever</b>; and thy remembrance unto all generations."</i> Ps 102:12 <span style="color: #4c1130;">&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="color: #4c1130;">"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth or the world, even from <b>everlasting to everlasting</b> thou art God."</i> Ps 90:2</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surely eternity had a beginning, no? No, and because we can't possibly comprehend that, it's no wonder we are having difficulty grasping the concept of an eternal hell. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eternity is a state to which time has no application. In other words, in eternity, time just doesn't exist. Whether we're talking about eternity in heaven or eternity in hell, the concept of time has no meaning. To equate spending eternity in hell with spending all future "time" in hell would be erroneous. Our experience of a time based&nbsp;existence</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;has distorted the meaning of the word eternity&nbsp;in reference to God. How many times have we said, or heard others say, "This is taking an eternity," when time seems to be moving as slow as molasses? Eternity, in our human minds, is referring to time. That is not what eternity means when we refer to God, who transcends time, but who exists both inside and outside of time.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we're thinking about an eternity of suffering, we're talking about a level of&nbsp;existence&nbsp;that we have no experience with. How do we explain and come to terms with&nbsp;that?&nbsp; What is eternity in hell? It's as difficult to explain as eternity in heaven.&nbsp; If we can even partially comprehend one of these, then we should be able to apply that knowledge to the other. Eternity in heaven is existence without having a concept of time. You won't be thinking, "Gee, I wonder how long I've been here," because eternity doesn't operate that way.&nbsp; You and I will be living in an eternal state without the limitations of time. The same is true of eternity in hell. The individual experiencing judgment will have no concept of time because it will no longer exist for them. They too will be in an eternal state. Their thoughts will not be consumed with how long they have been suffering because time will not pass for them just as time will not pass for those in heaven.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living in eternity is living in a state of being that is not constrained by the concept of time. When we question the existence or concept of an eternal hell, we need to apply our limited understanding of what eternity actually means. It is an&nbsp;existence&nbsp;that just is and exists without the passing of time and that has no end.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although we may be grateful knowing that time will not seem to pass for those who will exist for all eternity in the lake of fire, it doesn't lesson the grief we feel for those who will never believe, repent, and spend eternity in heaven. Only by God's grace have you and I been given the opportunity to receive such a wonderful gift... the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of our salvation.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Praise be to God who was, and is and is to come... the God who is the same yesterday, today and forever!&nbsp; </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope that this article is a blessing for those struggling with the concept of an eternal punishment. Although this article may not answer all of your questions, we may be confident in knowing that His ways are perfect and that once we have been released from this fleshly body and can see past the veil that covers our eyes, we will understand. &nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord laid this on my heart and I thought I'd share it. Please leave your questions and comments below.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God Bless!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-75638195655232958002015-03-03T21:30:00.000-05:002015-08-12T22:10:22.476-04:00What Is The Mark Of The Beast?<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most Christians and many non-Christians have heard about the&nbsp;<i>"mark of the Beast,"&nbsp;</i>but what exactly is it and why is taking this mark detrimental to our spiritual welfare? Let's begin by answering the first half of this question.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What Is The Mark Of The Beast?</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many believe that this mark isn't a mark at all. Many believe that it is a technology based system that will be tied in to a database that will have access to an individual's financial information, medical information, employment information, firearm registrations, social media accounts, etc... and that a simple scan of an individual's eye, hand or implantable device will give the host access to the individual's personal information. Many individuals have their finger scanned in order to clock in and out of work every day. It's a cool piece of technology that actually scans the blood vessels&nbsp;beneath&nbsp;the skin, but some would prefer&nbsp;not to use this device since it is set up to scan a finger on an individual's right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UV9kUexPdoA/VPZTuuxRP_I/AAAAAAAALHI/_kp2njj5_L8/s1600/RFID-chip.jpg" width="200" /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then there are the implantable chips. &nbsp;We've all seen the picture. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This, too, is seen as something to be avoided, since it is recommended that it be implanted in the skin between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand (standard placement for uniformity purposes and for ease of use if you're going to use it to control personal devices like the lock to your front door). &nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does scripture say about the mark of the Beast?</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c00000;">&nbsp;</span></i><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #c00000;">“And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, </span><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">17 </span></b><span style="color: #c00000;">and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. </span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>18</b></span><span style="color: #c00000;"> Here is wisdom Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.”&nbsp; </span></i><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Rev. 13:16-18)</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It appears, in my opinion, that since the mark can be either the <i>"name of the Beast or the number of his name,"</i> it most likely is referring to an actual mark that is placed on the forehead or right hand of an individual who has decided to receive it of his/her own free will. Whether it's visible or not is the question, but from my understanding of scripture, it doesn't seem like it has anything to do with an implantable microchip or the scanning of the blood vessels beneath the skin of your right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes we as Christians read too much into what God is trying to convey to us through scripture. Admit it, sometimes we make it more complicated than what it should be. Could we be complicating this issue by making the mark into something it's not? Let me give you an example as to how simple this&nbsp;<i>"mark of the Beast"</i>&nbsp;system could actually be.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In this scenario, the mark of the Beast has now become mandatory. No one can buy or sell without it. You were warned by Christians before the Rapture not to take the mark if it was ever offered to you because it would mean an automatic ticket to hell if you took it. As a new born again believer, you have quietly refused to receive the mark. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mark had been optional for a little while, so you've decided to</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;just go about your day hoping no one would notice that you hadn't received yours.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since the Rapture and the judgments handed out by God during the first half of the Tribulation, many things have been difficult to come by. You go to the government-run store to try to stock up on some much needed items. You approach the checkout and place the items on the belt. You feel relieved that in a few minutes you'll be on your way home. Unknown to you, the mark has now become mandatory. You must show your mark before receiving any services. <span style="color: #073763;">The clerk greets you and quickly glances at your forehead to see if you have the mandatory mark. Not seeing one, the clerk then says, <i>"Excuse me, may I just see the back of your right hand so that I can begin scanning your items?"</i>&nbsp;You hesitantly present your hand to the clerk, at which point the clerk can clearly see that you do not have the mark. <i>"I'm sorry, the mark is now mandatory and it's against the law and store policy for me to scan your order if you don't have the mark. I can hold these items for you here at the register if you want to go down the street to the processing center and receive your mark."</i> </span>Of course, at this point you might be turned over to the government goons looking for people without the mark, but that's a subject for another article.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simple, right? No hand scan, no implanted microchip, no retina scan... &nbsp;just one human visually inspecting your right hand and forehead. Understand, for the worldwide system to work as flawlessly as possible, the system has to be as simple as possible. This human visual inspection works whether the individual is purchasing their item(s) using cash, credit, checks, bitcoins, precious metals, SDR's, or whatever the physical or electronic currency the world will be using during the Tribulation. Human visual inspection works here in the states and in every other country in the world. It bridges all nationalities and all languages.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One world government security forces will also need to be able to check your mark on the streets at a moment's notice, so a visual scan can be done easily.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>NOTE: This marking system could also work with an invisible ink tattoo that is only visible under ultraviolet light. People get invisible tattoos all the time. The only piece of equipment that would be needed at the checkout would be ultraviolet lights, which are plentiful, inexpensive and portable. Just install them at each register and place them at an angle so that it shines on the customer, making their mark visible without ever having to take the time to use the device manually to scan them. One world security forces could also use a battery operated hand held ultraviolet light to illuminate this mark as well.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So when it comes to new technology, born again believers need to remain level headed and not allow these things to freak us out. It just makes us look bad. Remember, the "mark of the Beast" is the personal mark of the Antichrist and will be used by him to weed out the enemies of this new world system. I don't believe it has anything to do with the implanting of a microchip. It is a mark that has yet to be revealed and won't be revealed until the Antichrist is in control.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We need to use wisdom. We must be careful not to perpetuate the idea that technology involving the right hand is innately evil. That would be false. We do, however, need to be aware that although this new technology isn't the actual "mark of the Beast," it does add to the desensitizing of the public concerning the insertion into the body of the latest technology. It also encourages them to accept inclusion in the herd mentality.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What's So Bad About Receiving The Mark Of The Beast?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In order to save some time, let me direct you to another article I wrote about just that very thing. You can read that article by clicking <b><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/p/mark-of-beast.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. Let me just briefly explain that those who do receive the "mark of the Beast" will suffer the wrath of God during the Tribulation while born again believers, although they do suffer, they will not experience many of the judgments that God will mete out during this time. Receiving the mark also automatically puts you on the losing side. At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus will return as King of Kings and Lord of lords... as the Lion of Judah, and all those who have opposed Him and have received the mark of loyalty to the Beast will be defeated.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please take the time to leave a comment and to share this article with others who may be interested in it's content.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God Bless!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-27072859952946402422015-02-17T22:41:00.001-05:002015-07-30T12:11:08.871-04:00The Battle Of Gog And Magog May Be Close At Hand<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The battle of Gog and Magog. &nbsp;It's a prophecy thousands of years in the making. Could the fulfillment of this prophecy be close at hand? &nbsp;Why do I ask? &nbsp;There is<b> <a href="http://www.virtualjerusalem.com/news.php?Itemid=16036" target="_blank">news</a> </b>today (February 17, 2015) of a force of fighters advancing on the Golan Heights. &nbsp;This fighting force is said to be comprised of approximately 2,000 Hezbollah fighters and an equal number of Afghan and Pakistani Shiites. &nbsp;They are being accompanied by Syrian tanks. &nbsp;That's 4,000+ fighters in total.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>First we have to discuss Damascus</b></span><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATD2ddLuv6M/VOQJNOd1LFI/AAAAAAAALD0/6dr0xQ1KZq0/s1600/damascas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ATD2ddLuv6M/VOQJNOd1LFI/AAAAAAAALD0/6dr0xQ1KZq0/s1600/damascas.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Syria is in more desperate trouble than it's ever been. &nbsp;The government backed military continues to battle the "rebels." &nbsp;The Iranian High Command is based in Syria (not as far a reach as it would be from Iran) and is doing whatever it can to advance it's goal of the complete destruction of Israel. &nbsp;You may ask why that should matter. &nbsp;It matters because there is another prophecy... one that hasn't received as much attention as the Gog and Magog prophecy. &nbsp;It's a prophecy mentioned very briefly in Isaiah 17:1. &nbsp;It says:&nbsp;<i>"The burden against Damascus. "Behold, Damascus will cease from [being] a city, And it will be a ruinous heap." </i>I've written about this prophecy in a<i>&nbsp;</i><a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-demise-of-damascus.html" target="_blank"><b>previous blog post</b></a>. &nbsp;It's a prophecy that is yet to be fulfilled, but one that we can see is close at hand. &nbsp;Iran has a strong presence in Syria. Iran is also working toward creating nuclear weapons and ways to deliver that nuclear payload to the heart of Israel and the United States. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's get hypothetical here for a moment. &nbsp;What could bring the total destruction of Damascus? &nbsp;A nuclear weapon fired by Israel. &nbsp;What would make Israel fire a nuclear weapon at Damascus? &nbsp;Surely it wouldn't be the attack on it's own soil by its enemies using conventional weapons. &nbsp;Israel has shown great restraint in keeping its nuclear&nbsp;arsenal under control and I believe they will continue to show such restraint. We&nbsp;know that when Iran develops it's first nuclear weapon, they're going to want to be sure that it gets to it's target, Israel (probably Tel Aviv). &nbsp;I don't think a missile strike is going to do it. &nbsp;Iran will have Israel's Iron Dome defense system to deal with. &nbsp;The only way they're going to get a nuclear missile through Israel's defense system is to overwhelm it by firing volley after volley, hundreds upon hundreds, of conventional missile at the country, hoping to either sneak the nuclear armed missile through or to wait until the Iron Domes stock of defensive intercepting missiles has been depleted. &nbsp;Another option would be to transport the nuclear weapon through Syria in a vehicle, driving right into Israel's back yard where they can detonate it at will. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, who will Israel target for this act of terrorism and war? &nbsp;Who will Israel target for immediate retaliation? &nbsp;It will most likely be the country through which most terrorist activities have been sanctioned and funded. &nbsp;It will most likely be the country through which Israel's enemies were able to launch their attack. &nbsp;It will most likely be the country with the oldest surviving city in the Middle East... Syria. &nbsp;More specifically, a city that has survived war after war but has been&nbsp;prophesied&nbsp;to&nbsp;be utterly destroyed...Damascus, Syria's capital. &nbsp;Syria has been the main hot bed of terrorism in the Middle East and I believe it's demise will come at the hands of the Israelis in retaliation for it's complicity in Iran's attack on Israel. &nbsp;The prophecy in Isaiah 17:1 will be fulfilled.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before we get to the war of Gog and Magog, we need to briefly touch on what I believe to be a highly unlikely scenario. &nbsp;That other scenario would entertain the thought that Damascus would remain&nbsp;unscathed until the war of Gog and Magog. &nbsp;That could then be the point where Israel fires a nuclear weapon at the capital of Syria. &nbsp;I don't see this being the case, because if Israel is going to be able to fire off that missile, then they would most likely be able to fire many more, defending itself and winning the war. I believe something is going to happen that prevents Israel from using her nuclear&nbsp;arsenal&nbsp;so that God will intervene to protect them and to display His power for the world to see. That's why I believe that the destruction of Damascus is going to happen before, and be the catalyst&nbsp;for, the&nbsp;war of Ezekiel 38 and 39.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The war of Gog and Magog</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the heels of that fulfilled prophecy, the world will see another biblical prophecy fulfilled... the war of Gog and Magog as described in Isaiah 38 and 39. What could fire up the other Arab countries enough to bring them together once again to destroy a shared enemy? &nbsp;The destruction of Damascus. &nbsp;The other Arab nations will boil with anger and this defensive move by Israel will be the catalyst to form a coalition whose sole purpose will be to wipe Israel off the map. &nbsp;Russia will be dragged into the mix, which may cause the United States to sit this one out. &nbsp;It's also possible that terrorist attacks may occupy America at this point in time. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once Israel uses a nuclear weapon, any last shred of support from the world will drop away, leaving Israel alone to fight it's own battles. &nbsp;But we know that Israel is not alone, now don't we? &nbsp;Finally, when Israel has no one to depend on, God steps in. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The world will witness what happens when God's people are faced with annihilation. &nbsp;He will deliver them in that hour and everyone will know that the Judeo-Christian God truly exists.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To get to that point, we have to remain&nbsp;vigilant&nbsp;and continue to be patient as the time approaches for the fulfillment of these prophecies. &nbsp;I don't know about you, but an advance on the boarder of Israel by 4,000 armed forces along with Syrian tanks is enough to get me to sit up and take notice. &nbsp;It's just one more piece of the puzzle that brings these prophecies closer to fulfillment. &nbsp;As we are well aware, it only takes a moment for a powder keg to ignite in the Middle East.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had always wondered if we would be here to witness the destruction of Damascus and the war of Gog and Magog. &nbsp;I still wonder, because Yeshua could come at any time to snatch His bride away. &nbsp;I just have more hope now that the rapture will occur after these incidents. &nbsp;I have that hope because I'm beginning to believe that He will need us here to be part of that great spiritual awakening, that revival, that will occur as the world witnesses biblical prophecy unfolding and witnesses God's intervention on Israel's behalf. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh what a day that will be if the Lord will tarry and we'll be able to turn to our friends, our family, our neighbors, our co-workers and the stranger on the street and bring them the salvation message of Yeshua! &nbsp;May it be God's will.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-75582330106141646802014-12-11T17:41:00.003-05:002015-07-30T12:06:26.072-04:00God's Judgments: Nuclear Weapons or Near Earth Objects?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am aware that there has been debate among born again believers as to what the objects are that descend upon the earth at the time of the second and third trumpet judgments. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Second Trumpet Judgment</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rev. 8:8-9</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>″The second angel sounded, and <b><span style="color: #4c1130;">something like a great mountain burning with fire</span></b> was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood,&nbsp;<b><sup>9</sup></b>and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.”</i></span><br /><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>The Third Trumpet Judgment</u></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rev. 8:10-11</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;<i>″The third angel sounded, and <b><span style="color: #4c1130;">a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch,</span></b> and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters.&nbsp;<b><sup>11</sup></b>The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.”</i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What is this object?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some say that this is a description of a nuclear weapon while others say that this is most likely a description of a <u>N</u>ear <u>E</u>arth <u>O</u>bjects (NEO's), like meteors. In order to satisfy my curiosity, I decided to compare the two and find out for myself which object was most likely the one described by John in Revelation. Let's look at a very brief description of both of these types of objects.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The stages of a nuclear missile launch</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When a nuclear missile is launched, its fuel is ignited and it ascends upward.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fuel is depleted in all stages </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">before</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> perigee, which means that the missile is still ascending at the time the&nbsp;fiery&nbsp;engines fall silent. &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The payload is then propelled by a much smaller fuel source to guide it to it's destination and align it above it's target. &nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The warhead is then released and is almost in&nbsp;free-fall&nbsp;as it descends.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Upon reentry, the heat shield encapsulating the warhead glows brightly.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once reentry is made, the weapon is either triggered in the upper atmosphere (creating an IMP) or is detonated just above the ground.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a video to better show you what has just been described:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/vGcYKR_ybLg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/vGcYKR_ybLg&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/vGcYKR_ybLg&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The stages of an impact by a Near Earth Object (NEO)&nbsp;</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As an NEO enters Earth's atmosphere, the friction begins to burn off the outer layers of the object. &nbsp;You can see this with the naked eye as this process lights up the sky. The object leaves a trail of fire and smoke as it plunges toward it's final destination. &nbsp;It will either burn up and/or explode in the atmosphere, or it will continue burning until it makes impact. &nbsp;This size of such objects varies, but these NEO's can be massive! The color of the object can give us clues as to what the NEO is mainly comprised of, but there is no telling what this object is specifically made of unless it leaves traces that can be tested.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vkwb06gy44/VIoQSCRiJWI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/xcmCj1jLzYM/s1600/acda2ab3616f59d9cac3b219b47d6aa8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vkwb06gy44/VIoQSCRiJWI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/xcmCj1jLzYM/s1600/acda2ab3616f59d9cac3b219b47d6aa8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, let's look at those two scriptures again:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first one describes the object as: "...</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">something like a great mountain burning with fire..."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The second one describes the object as: "...</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch..."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you compare the two objects, the nuclear warhead and the NEO, then it seems that the latter would best describe what the writer is seeing.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Why I believe it's NOT a nuclear warhead&nbsp;</b></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The nuclear warhead is nowhere near the size of a mountain.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although the warhead's heat shield would glow as the warhead enters the atmosphere, it would not be burning like a torch or mountain (which leaves fire and smoke) Remember, the fuel source is exhausted, so it can't be describing rocket fuel.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John also knows the difference between something that is smoking and burning, as opposed to something glowing hot. This example can be found in Revelation when he is describing Jesus' appearance ("His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace..." Revelation 1:15a). So the objects that John saw falling from the sky weren't glowing hot, they were on fire.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Why I believe it's a NEO</b></span></span></div><div><ul><li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the objects was a huge as a mountain. &nbsp;NEO's come in all shapes and sizes. &nbsp;There certainly are asteroids/comets that are the size of a mountain.</span></li><li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The objects were burning with fire, with one of the objects being described as burning like a torch. &nbsp;This would signify flame and smoke, both of which are the result of a NEO entering earth's atmosphere.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Now, other scripture in Revelation speak about judgments being released "in the air." &nbsp;This could be determined to be a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere or, as history has shown us time and time again, it could be a NEO explosion in the atmosphere, releasing something toxic to humans.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Here is an example of a meteor exploding in our atmosphere. &nbsp;Remember, this was a meteor that was less than 15.5 yards long, which is not very big compared to what's out there. &nbsp;Just look at a football field and count off 15 yards. &nbsp;It's not that long. &nbsp;It was traveling at 32 miles per second. &nbsp;Watch what happened when it exploded in the atmosphere over Russia.</span></div><div><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tu1vhfnCd3o?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">So, that's my take on the subject. &nbsp;I have avoided going to any other web site to review what their thoughts are because I didn't want my own thoughts on the matter to be influenced by other people's opinions. &nbsp;I'm sure there are many others who have put more time and effort in seeking the answers to the same question than I have.</span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Please comment below. &nbsp;I'd be very interested in hearing what your opinion is.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div></div></div></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-3266038067778181112014-10-12T15:09:00.004-04:002015-07-30T12:11:58.178-04:00Left Behind: I'm In The Minority Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!</b> &nbsp;<b>I have briefly described scenes in the movie in order to offer up my opinion.</b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Kn8SSYIHqU/VDrIj9uuGgI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/h0rkyRkdEbg/s1600/LEFTBEHIND-LOGO-WHITE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Kn8SSYIHqU/VDrIj9uuGgI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/h0rkyRkdEbg/s200/LEFTBEHIND-LOGO-WHITE.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As many of you may have already noticed, the new film, "Left Behind: The End Begins," has stirred up a lot of controversy among Christians. First there is the controversy between those who believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, those who believe in a mid-tribulation rapture and those who believe in a post-tribulation rapture. &nbsp;Then there is the controversy between those Christians who like the film and those who expected more. I will <b>not</b> attempt to address the former controversy in this post (I'm saving that for another time), but will instead attempt to address the latter.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we all know, opinions are mainly subjective. In this case, either you liked the film, "<a href="http://www.leftbehindmovie.com/" target="_blank"><b>Left Behind: The End Begins</b></a>," or you did not.&nbsp; I've read film-goers' positive and negative responses as well as online reviews from established Christian web sites and I can't seem to agree with the negativity that has been circulating throughout parts of the Christian community regarding this film.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's address some of the negative comments you may have heard about this film.</span><br /><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">#1 This new film is not like the books or the original movie.</b></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since this is a "reboot" of the Left Behind series, complaints about straying from the original storyline found in the books and the original movie just don't seem to make sense to me. It's a reboot, not a remake. If anyone is going to see this film expecting to see an updated version of the original movie from opening title to closing credits or that it tells the story of the first book from cover to cover, then let me tell you that you will be disappointed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Star Trek recently had a "reboot." Among the changes made was the addition of Spock's romantic relationship with Uhura, Capt. Pike's altered future (he's alive and well), and the destruction of Spock's home world of Vulcan. This wasn't part of the original series or the theatrical releases that resulted from the popularity of the series, but it didn't deter many people from going to see this film. &nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The same should be true about the new Left Behind film. The changes in the storyline should not deter people from seeing this film. &nbsp;Here are a few of the changes that have been made:</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hattie isn't the ditsy blond from the books</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rayford's indiscretions are noticed by his daughter earlier on in the time line.&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Raymie is raptured in Chloe's presence.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buck has use of his personal satellite phone on the plane.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Characters on the plane actually have a story line and aren't just there to take up space.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The film focuses only on the day of the rapture, beginning with Chloe's arrival at the airport as she returns home for her dad's birthday, and concluding with the dramatic landing of Rayford's aircraft.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could go on, but I believe the point has been made. This is a REBOOT, not a remake or rehash of the original story line. &nbsp;There is no mention of a Tribulation Force at the end of the movie, only the&nbsp;ominous&nbsp;statement by Chloe that&nbsp;this was just the beginning of what is to come.</span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>#2 Christians are portrayed as lunatics.</b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A woman in the movie approaches Buck in the airport terminal and immediately begins to bible bash him. We all know the type. These people lack wisdom and humility and tend to be very judgmental. &nbsp;What I'm trying to say is that these people are real and their behavior, although well meaning I'm sure, is overbearing and just pushes people further away from Jesus. It may be difficult to watch a Christian movie that has a character that makes us cringe, but it's a part of our Christian culture and we can't run away from it. &nbsp;We can't shove it in a closet and pretend it doesn't exist. &nbsp;We have to own it. &nbsp;It's real. &nbsp;The film makers understand this and put it right out there for everyone to see right from the start. This scene not only instructs Christians how NOT to witness to unbelievers, but also helps us to understand how many non-believers view Christians. &nbsp;The film makers show empathy toward unbelievers who have had to deal with people like this in the past (which may have helped push them further from making a decision for Christ). This is a teaching moment, people! &nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb88mAKnQYo/VDQc13it75I/AAAAAAAAJ0w/CYhkhzpOONE/s1600/Chloe%2Band%2BMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xb88mAKnQYo/VDQc13it75I/AAAAAAAAJ0w/CYhkhzpOONE/s1600/Chloe%2Band%2BMom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In another scene, as Chloe describes this incident at the airport to her mother, she lets slip that she believes the woman at the airport is just as crazy as her mother. &nbsp;Her mother is wounded, which makes Chloe regret her choice of words. Her mother tries to share God's word with her, to prepare her for what's coming, but before she can, Chloe makes an abrupt departure. &nbsp;Another missed opportunity to share God's word on wide screen? Some may see it that way. I just don't happen to agree with them.&nbsp; I'll explain why in the next section.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>#3 The name of Jesus is never spoken and scripture is sorely lacking. &nbsp;It's a watered down version of the book meant to appeal to the widest Christian audience possible.</b></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How many people know what Christians are going to say before they say it? How many unsaved know that we're going to tell them that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one goes to the Father except through Him... or that Jesus shed His blood for them to cover a multitude of sins... or that they need to be born again to enter the kingdom of God? How many of them have heard those words from church, on television, in secular movies, in soup kitchens, and yes, even at church? &nbsp;Yes, the words are out there, but the unsaved aren't falling to their knees in droves. &nbsp;They remain on the broad and easy path that leads to their destruction. &nbsp;The film makers decided to take a different direction. &nbsp;Gone is the in-your-face preaching that would drive many of the unsaved away from this movie, and in it's place is a real life example of what life is for many people. &nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do I mean by that? &nbsp;Here is Irene. &nbsp;She's the mother of Chloe and Raymie and is wife to her pilot husband Rayford. &nbsp;A year prior to the events of the movie, she became a born again believer in Christ. &nbsp;During the past year she's quoted all the scripture and shared her faith with her reluctant family, yet they still do not believe. &nbsp;Her daughter even goes so far as to say that her mother "drank the Kool-Aid." &nbsp;So what does Irene do? &nbsp;She doesn't press. &nbsp;She lives her life as a faithful Christian woman and surrounds herself and her family with symbols of her faith. &nbsp;She tries not to push them away from the truth, but attempts to gently draw them to Jesus by setting an example for them. &nbsp;Yes, she still tries to share her faith with them because she loves them and longs for their salvation as well, but she also knows that she can't go too far because that will just drive them further away from the truth. &nbsp;You can see that when Chloe comes home and Irene places her gardening gloves on top of her bible. &nbsp;She doesn't want to push.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We see Irene's faith by the jewelry she wears, the bible on the table (mentioned above), mention of her church attendance, the little reading nook she has set up with a pillow that says Pray and subtle artwork of Jesus on the cross. &nbsp;Many people would look at this as a way to plug Christianity into a movie that has no Christian underpinning, but I disagree. &nbsp;I see the little nook she has set up, the one Chloe&nbsp;glimpses&nbsp;at as she searches the house&nbsp;for her raptured mother, as a subtle message. &nbsp;What is that message? &nbsp;Get alone with God, no matter where it is. &nbsp;Get to some small, quiet, private place where you can be alone with Him. Pray and confess your sins. &nbsp;Repent and give your life to Jesus. &nbsp;That's what I took away from that ever-so-short glimpse of Irene's little nook.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, scripture doesn't play a major role in the movie, but Irene's faith does. &nbsp;That reflects real life. &nbsp;I don't beat my friends and family over the head with scripture. &nbsp;They know what I'm about and they've heard me say it all. &nbsp;How I live my life is my testimony to those who refuse to repent and believe. &nbsp;That's what this movie is to me... real life. &nbsp;It doesn't beat you over the head with something you already know. &nbsp;As a side note, scripture is presented on screen at the end of the movie before the credits roll. &nbsp;The closing credits roll with the beautiful voice of Jordan Sparks as she gives us her rendition of the song, "<a href="http://youtu.be/J0Ff1HdJKnY" target="_blank"><b>I Wish We'd All Been Ready</b></a>." &nbsp;</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some people want to draw a line in the sand with a detailed list of examples of what a Christian movie should contain. &nbsp;If it doesn't meet their demands, it's deemed a poor example of Christian film making and they automatically give it a thumbs down. &nbsp;I have to honestly disagree with that. &nbsp;There are Christian films that are made solely for Christian audiences and then there are those rare Christian films whose main purpose is to reach out to the unsaved. I believe that <i>Left Behind: The End Begins</i> is an example of the latter. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The conversation, the questions and the scripture all come after watching this film, when you and those who have seen the film begin to share your thoughts. &nbsp;This film is a door that starts the conversation moving in God's direction. &nbsp;It's like handing a tract to someone. &nbsp;First they look at the cover and then they read what's inside. &nbsp;Look at the film as the tract cover that invites the one receiving it to want to read more. &nbsp;What's inside that tract is what we share when the movie's over. &nbsp;It's not the film's responsibility to witness to the lost, it's ours. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take someone to see this movie. &nbsp;They won't feel as if they're being force fed scripture, which may allow them to open up and begin asking those questions that they've been dwelling on for awhile.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-49698077393238405812014-09-19T02:01:00.001-04:002015-09-20T12:03:52.961-04:00Should We Be Encouraging The Reciting Of The Salvation Prayer?<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was perusing one of my social network news feeds today when I came across a post from someone I've been following for a while. One click brought me to his web site. The main portion of this page consisted of&nbsp;his version of the "sinner's prayer." At the end of this prayer were words similar to the ones I've used in the past myself. To paraphrase: "If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart, then congratulations!!! You are now part of the family of God!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the past, I had included my own version of the sinner's prayer and a congratulatory word of encouragement on my personal blog sites and in a self-published booklet I created. At the time, I believed it was a necessary part of witnessing. One day, when reading my own version of the sinner's prayer, doubt hit me and the questions came...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is the "sinner's prayer?" If someone's repeating what I say they need to pray, is it coming from their heart or is this individual looking at this prayer as some sort of "magic spell" to be cast that will assure him/her of their salvation? Why do Christians feel that this prayer needs to be&nbsp;recited&nbsp;when you become a born-again&nbsp;believer? Is it scriptural, or is it a Christian tradition that has crept into the church?&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are the kinds of questions that ran through my mind in the past and were once again triggered when I read my Christian brother's web site post. What I had once taken for granted was true had become something that I began to distance myself from. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't made a big deal out of this when&nbsp;fellowshipping&nbsp;with my Christian brothers and&nbsp;sisters. I sometimes keep these things to myself because I feel as if I'm perceived as someone who is trying to rock the boat or someone who has "the spirit of division" (yes, someone actually said that to me concerning another issue). Since it has once again been thrust upon me, I guess I need to share what I see as an unnecessary addition to witnessing for Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is the "sinner's prayer?"</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been instructed since I was a young Christian that one of the most important acts you can perform is to recite the sinner's prayer or to lead someone in the sinner's prayer. It's not a prayer of specific words like those recited in other religions, including Catholicism, but is rather an&nbsp;expression of your acknowledgement of your sinful state, and an acknowledgement of who Jesus is and what He has done for you. It's also a confirmation of our repentance and our decision to lay our lives down, take up our cross and serve Him for the rest of our days, being lead by the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's what it's supposed to be, anyway. But what is the sinner's prayer, really? Since the words aren't written in stone, they can vary from person to person. Oh, the basic concepts are there and the key words and phrases are used, but the "formula" for this prayer is pretty loose. To the person repeating this prayer, it would seem that his/her salvation is resting on reciting just the right words that will complete this transformation from sinner to saint. You and I both know, it doesn't work that way.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What the sinner's prayer really is, is a rehashing of what the repentant believer already knows. It's useless because what it's meant to do has already taken place. The heart has already changed. The individual has already believed and repented. So what's left to do? If not the sinner's prayer, then what???<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me give you an example of what I have found. Here is a portion of scripture where Philip witnesses to an Ethiopian, who then receives Jesus as his Lord and Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An Ethiopian Receives Christ</span></u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">26</span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But&nbsp;an angel of the Lord spoke to&nbsp;Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to&nbsp;Gaza.” (This is a desert&nbsp;<i>road</i>.)&nbsp;<b><sup>27</sup>&nbsp;</b>So he got up and went; and&nbsp;there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he&nbsp;had come to Jerusalem to worship,&nbsp;<b><sup>28</sup>&nbsp;</b>and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.&nbsp;<b><sup>29</sup>&nbsp;</b>Then&nbsp;the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this&nbsp;chariot.”&nbsp;<b><sup>30</sup>&nbsp;</b>Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”&nbsp;<b><sup>31</sup>&nbsp;</b>And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.&nbsp;<b><sup>32</sup>&nbsp;</b>Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“He was led as a sheep to slaughter;<br />And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,<br />So He does not open His mouth.<br /><b><sup>33</sup>&nbsp;</b>“In humiliation His judgment was taken away;<br />Who will&nbsp;relate His&nbsp;generation?<br />For His life is removed from the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"</i></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><i>The eunuch answered Philip and said, </i>'<i>Please&nbsp;tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?'&nbsp;</i><b><sup>35</sup>&nbsp;</b><i>Then Philip&nbsp;opened his mouth, and&nbsp;beginning from this Scripture he&nbsp;preached Jesus to him.&nbsp;</i><b><sup>36</sup>&nbsp;</b><i>As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water!&nbsp;What prevents me from being baptized?'&nbsp;</i><b><sup>37</sup>&nbsp;</b><i>And Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'&nbsp;</i><b><sup>38</sup>&nbsp;</b><i>And he ordered the&nbsp;chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.&nbsp;</i><b><sup>39</sup>&nbsp;</b><i>When they came up out of the water,&nbsp;the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him,&nbsp;but went on his way rejoicing." </i></span>Acts 8:26-39 (NASB)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look at verses 36-38. Then focus on verse 37. Philip said, <i>"If you believe with all your heart, you may."</i> Then the eunuch made a confession of belief, <i>"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,"</i> and Philip baptized him in water. There was no sinner's prayer, only a confession of belief... of faith. This reminds me of another portion of scripture that says,&nbsp;<i>"that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;&nbsp;for with the heart a person believes,&nbsp;resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."</i>&nbsp;Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQvg4-NbajE/VBvGiPW402I/AAAAAAAAJp0/UBVTRj0-8Fs/s1600/romans-10-9-believe-in-your-heart-confess-jesus-is-lord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQvg4-NbajE/VBvGiPW402I/AAAAAAAAJp0/UBVTRj0-8Fs/s1600/romans-10-9-believe-in-your-heart-confess-jesus-is-lord.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the heart a person believes and repents, resulting in righteousness (a transformation of the heart) and with the mouth, he confesses, resulting in salvation. It's the outward confession of the inward change that completes the transformation from lost sinner to newly born saint. Confession of our faith in Christ is important. Why? <span style="color: red;"><i>"And I say to you, anyone who confesses Me before men the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God"</i>&nbsp;</span>Luke 12:8 (NASB) &nbsp;When we confess our faith in Christ before men, Jesus is then able to confess our name before the angels of heaven, declaring us as one of His adopted children. Oh, and such a moment that is! <i><span style="color: red;">"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no&nbsp;repentance."</span></i>&nbsp;Luke 15:7 (NASB)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can find no example in the New Testament where anyone was lead in a form of sinner's prayer leading to their salvation. Sinners were instructed to believe and confess. Belief is followed by repentance and&nbsp;confession of Jesus as Christ. There is no other standard set down by Jesus or the Apostles by which we are to include in this most personal act between the repentant sinner and God. To say that there is something more to do in order to receive salvation would be to add to the word of God something that just isn't there.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, to answer my own question, "So what's left to do? If not the sinner's prayer, then what???" The answer is to request a confession of faith. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You: <i>"Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to save you from sin's curse?"</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Them: <i>"Yes, I believe Jesus is the Son of God."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You: <i>"You don't know how happy I am for you. Now let's talk about baptism, my brother/sister."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could go on about forming close ties and possibly mentoring a few of those who God has rescued by the work of the Holy Spirit through you, or I could get into the subject of baptism, but that's not what this post is about. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope I've given you something to think about. It's never easy to have a long held belief challenged, especially when it comes to our Christianity. I'm speaking from experience. What <b>is</b> important is that we take what we think we understand and hold it against the light of God's word. Does it hold up? If not, it's rubbish and needs to be excised from your life and tossed in the bin.<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-70399739034467815472014-09-11T22:44:00.004-04:002015-07-28T20:02:02.359-04:00Am I Good Enough To Go To Heaven?<div align="JUSTIFY"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Am I good enough to go to heaven? Yes, I think I am. Only people like Charles Manson, Nidal Hasan (the Ft. Hood killer), those Islamic guys that are beheading people in the middle east, child molesters, rapists and the like actually deserve to go to hell. Those are the really bad people."</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sounds reasonable, right? But if that's the criteria by which we are comparing our own actions to in order to determine if we are “good enough” to go to heaven or “bad enough” to go to hell, then most people should be heading for the pearly gates when they die, right?</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uw2ngC5TKiQ/VBJd9i__LqI/AAAAAAAAJo4/H7ROMD7TzK0/s1600/ImageGen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uw2ngC5TKiQ/VBJd9i__LqI/AAAAAAAAJo4/H7ROMD7TzK0/s1600/ImageGen.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Image from planet-science.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Qualification for entrance to heaven (or hell) is not based on how we compare to others or how we compare to the standards we set for ourselves. Your life may look pretty good through your own eyes, but what if you looked at your life through the eyes of One who is sinless? What if we were judged not just by our actions, but by our&nbsp;thoughts? If we're not going to be honest with ourselves and admit that our actions alone would condemn us, then how about the thoughts that run through our head. What about how that flash of judgment that crossed your mind, ever so briefly, when you saw that grossly overweight woman at Walmart dressed in those tight and revealing clothes, folds of skin spilling out of ever strained edge of clothing? What about the hate (and angry words) that rose within you when someone righteously judged you of living in sin? What about those thoughts of how you were going to get even with the one who just stabbed you in the back at work? How about seeing someone attractive and contemplating, just for a moment, what they looked like naked or contemplating having sex with them if given the chance? Am I hitting home yet? No? What about advertising the short comings of others in order to make yourself look good? What about flaunting your “wealth” in front of those who are surviving from paycheck to paycheck? What about contemplating what new possession to purchase next instead of figuring out how you can spend that money to help those in need? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Unrighteous thoughts stream through our mind on a daily basis. Can you honestly say that you are in complete control of your thoughts and emotions? I didn't think so. Our “goodness” when compared to God’s standard for “good” falls far, far short.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The biggest mistake we make is when we trivialize our sins. Have you ever lied? We may say,&nbsp;“<i>Yes, but they were little white lies, nothing serious. I never intended to hurt anyone when I lied.”</i>&nbsp;Have you ever stolen something? We may say,&nbsp;“<i>I've taken some office supplies or shop supplies home from work, but no one's going to miss them. Besides, I didn't have enough time to go shopping for them myself. I live a very busy life.”</i>&nbsp;Can you see what we’re doing? We’re trivializing our crimes. What we’re saying is that what we did was of so little consequence that we can’t actually call them sins, but the bible warns,&nbsp;“<i>He who says he has no sin deceives himself.”&nbsp;</i>(1John 1:8)</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The truth is if you've lied, then you are a liar. If I catch you in a lie, wouldn't I be just in lowering my level of trust in you? If you have stolen anything (the value of the stolen item is irrelevant), you are a thief. If I was at work with you and caught you walking out the door with company property, should I believe that you would never steal something of greater importance or value if given the opportunity? Maybe even steal from me? &nbsp;If you've looked at someone with lust, then you are an adulterer. If you constantly lusted after women, would I trust you to be around my wife when I wasn't there (or would I even feel comfortable with you being around here even if I&nbsp;<b>was</b>&nbsp;there)? These may seem like small indiscretions, but they hold serious consequences, not just on a human level, but even greater on a spiritual level.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What we need to hear is the Judge’s ruling for lying and stealing and adultery. The judgment is that those who commit those sins shall&nbsp;<i>"have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone."</i>&nbsp;Revelation 21:8 &nbsp;</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, all liars, thieves and adulterers go to hell. You may say that you don’t believe in hell, but that’s just like a criminal saying that he doesn’t believe he'll ever be caught, tried and sent to prison. What we believe or don’t believe doesn’t change the outcome of God’s judgment.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we are honest with ourselves, then we have to admit that we fall far short of God’s perfection. So what do we do? What can we do to make things right between us and God? Maybe church attendance or helping out the less fortunate. After all, good works must count for something, right? Maybe if the good things I do outweigh the bad, that will get me to heaven. No! Some religions may offer this destructive teaching, but nowhere in the bible does it state that we can do anything of ourselves to rid ourselves of the consequences of the sin in our life. Even ONE sin separates us from God. So what’s to become of us?</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We must let go of our attempts to save ourselves and reach out to the One who can save us. The moment we cease our own attempts to sneak into heaven’s back gates and instead repent and believe in Jesus, depending on Him to save us, our life changes. The bible says,&nbsp;“<i>For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not works, lest anyone boast.”</i>&nbsp;(Ephesians 2:8-9)</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may still wonder how a perfect and loving God could send anyone to hell. To put it plainly, He doesn’t. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. They, in turn, passed this sin nature down through their offspring, infecting everyone who would ever be born. God created hell for Satan and the angels who rebelled against God. Hell was never intended for mankind, but mankind fell, and that opened them to eternal separation from God in hell because sin cannot enter God's presence in heaven. Thankfully, God created a way of escape for those who choose to repent and give their lives to Him. The Jewish people brought their sin offerings to the Lord at the Temple of God to be slain, the blood offered to temporarily cover their own sins. God did something much more wonderful. He sent the Perfect Lamb to be a sacrifice for us all. His shed blood didn't just cover our sin, His blood eradicated them broke Satan's power over us.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those who seek to have their sins covered in the precious blood of the Lamb of God receive the gift He offers... the gift of forgiveness and of a restored relationship with our Father as we go from spiritual death to a total rebirth... a spiritual resurrection... being born again and receiving the promise of eternal life with God.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, those who surrender their lives to God and live for Him receive this gift, but those who do not make that choice remain in their sinful state and await the judgment that comes for all who die in their sins. Many who hear about this gift don’t take the opportunity to ask for it. They would rather complain and argue about why God would let mankind sin in the first place or why He made a man who was capable of sin, rather than stop, think and repent. Unfortunately, they would rather keep arguing, using human knowledge and understanding, making vain arguments all because they can't fathom the things of God.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be encouraged, because just as God has continued to call out to you to repent, He continues to call everyone else who is unsaved, offering them this free gift of salvation. Most will scoff at the offer or outright refuse to hear anything about it. Will you be one of them or will you heed the call of Jesus and finally take that step forward, choosing Him and the eternal destiny He has for you? It’s your choice whether to spend eternity with God. YOUR CHOICE! To do nothing is to choose to stay the way you are.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div align="JUSTIFY"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">First published on June 3, 2010</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-68628932584602186752014-09-11T20:30:00.000-04:002015-07-28T20:00:38.378-04:00For My Yoke Is Easy And My Burden Is Light<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">“</span><i><span style="color: red;">Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. </span>29&nbsp;</i><i><span style="color: red;">Take My yoke upon you and&nbsp;learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and&nbsp;you will find rest for your souls. </span>30&nbsp;</i><span style="color: red;"><i>For&nbsp;My yoke is&nbsp;easy and My burden is light.”</i></span>&nbsp;Matthew 11:28-30</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><i>"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" &nbsp;</i> 2 Corinthians 6:14</span></span><br /><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These scriptures are staples of our Christian walk. Let’s look at this from a Jewish perspective.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From what I understand, during the time of Jesus’ ministry here on earth, a Rabbi's <i><b>yoke</b></i>&nbsp;was his way of interpreting the Torah.&nbsp; The way to find out what a Rabbi’s yoke was, was to ask him what he thought was the most important commandment.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What was Jesus’ yoke?&nbsp; Let’s see what His answer was when He was asked what the most important commandment was:</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><sup><i><b>36</b></i></sup>“<i>Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”&nbsp;</i><sup><i><b>37</b></i></sup><i>And He said to him,&nbsp;</i><span style="color: red;">“</span><span style="color: red;"><i>You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.&nbsp;</i></span><sup><i><b>38</b></i></sup><span style="color: red;"><i>This is the great and&nbsp;foremost commandment.&nbsp;</i></span><sup><i><b>39</b></i></sup><span style="color: red;"><i>The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’&nbsp;</i></span><sup><i><b>40</b></i></sup><span style="color: red;"><i>On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”</i></span><span style="color: red;">&nbsp;</span>Matthew 22:36-40</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what is Jesus’ yoke? Love God/Love your neighbor.&nbsp; If that’s the yoke, then what’s the burden we’re pulling along with us? The burden is keeping the word of God.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The yoke is used to make the burden lighter.&nbsp; If the yoke is to love God and to love our neighbor, then love compels us to keep the word of God, making the burden of keeping God’s word easier... lighter. &nbsp;</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIW2DjqCo8E/VBJE4moAEKI/AAAAAAAAJos/eOfoWBobAYw/s1600/Yoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nIW2DjqCo8E/VBJE4moAEKI/AAAAAAAAJos/eOfoWBobAYw/s200/Yoke.jpg" width="163" /></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being unequally yoked means you are unable to keep up with what you’re yoked to because of size or ability or because of walking in opposing directions.&nbsp; If the yoke you've taken up causes you to walk beside someone other than Jesus, then you are automatically unequally yoked.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can apply the yoke to different areas of our lives, like marriage, relationships, etc… but I believe the crux of this scripture is all about Jesus!&nbsp; If we’re not yoked along side Jesus, then who or what are we yoked to?&nbsp; Religion?&nbsp; Self?&nbsp; Poverty?&nbsp; Stress?&nbsp; Anger?&nbsp;</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We need to be yoked to Jesus.&nbsp; He’ll never take us in a direction we shouldn't be moving in or travel faster than we are able.</span></span><br /><br /></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>First published on July 9, 2013.</i></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-48661944297212959792014-09-07T18:24:00.002-04:002015-07-28T19:59:28.971-04:00Stop Casting Pearls and Start Shaking The Dust Off Your Feet Christians!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Christians, we know how subtle the enemy (Satan) can be. He often dissuades us from pursuing a relationship with God and tries to convince us to take a break from Christianity for a while, hoping to separate us from Him and lead us to that wide and easy path that leads to death. What we don't expect from the enemy is encouragement to continue witnessing to the lost.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What??? &nbsp;Satan convinces us to continue witnessing?&nbsp;</i>I believe that he does, and here is why I say that. He convinces us to continue witnessing to a resistant soul, someone who is so entangled in the enemy's web that the enemy is convinced he/she will never submit to God. Why would he do this? Think about it. If the enemy can get you to spend your time&nbsp;constantly&nbsp;witnessing to a resistant individual who does nothing but reject God and mock you, then those unsaved individuals out there&nbsp;who are truly seeking the truth will be, for the most part, ignored. &nbsp;Great plan, don't you think?</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are those who eagerly accept the word of God, and there are those who reject it outright. The problem I used to have (and many Christians still have) is that I used to spend a lot of time trying to use the word of God to show people that God is real and that they need to repent of their sin. Unfortunately, the more resistant a person was to receiving the word of God, the more time was taken away from those who were urgently seeking someone to answer their questions about salvation.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Look, Jesus gave us the perfect example on how to deal with non-believers who totally reject who God is.</span></span></div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t cast your pearls before them (they’re just going to trash the word of God).&nbsp;</span></span></div><ul><li><div style="line-height: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">“</span><span style="color: red;"><i>Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."&nbsp;</i></span>Matthew 7:6</span></div></li></ul></li><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shake the dust off your feet and walk away (if they’re not going to accept the salvation message, move on). &nbsp;</span></span></div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><i>"Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet."</i></span><span style="color: red;">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;Matthew 10:14</span></span></div></li></ul></li><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let the blind lead the blind (if they’re intent on continuing in the same direction, let them go). &nbsp;</span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;">“</span><span style="color: red;"><i>Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”&nbsp;</i></span>Matthew 15:14</span><br /> </span></li></ul></li></ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can’t neglect the rest of the harvest just because of one person. The consequences of that are just too great.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Jesus taught those who&nbsp;<b>wanted</b>&nbsp;to listen.&nbsp; I don’t recall any recorded incident in the bible where Jesus purposely sat down with those who rejected Him and tried to convince them otherwise. Everyone makes that personal decision whether to believe and repent or to deny and remain blissfully ignorant. Who were those who followed Jesus out into the fields and hills? While some were there to mock Him or test Him, the majority were those who wanted to hear what He had to say, to sit under this Prophet's teaching. They were those who thirsted after God.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />We must understand that having a human nature means that we take on much more responsibility than God wants us to have. &nbsp;We constantly have to battle that way of thinking. &nbsp;It’s the Holy Spirit’s responsibility to convict the sinner, to open his eyes and to change his heart.&nbsp; It’s&nbsp;<u>His</u>&nbsp;responsibility to convince the sinner of who God is.&nbsp; Our job is to share the word of God with those who will listen and to point people to Jesus.&nbsp; If they truly don't have any desire to give their life to God, then we’re to move on, NOT double down and put a more concerted effort and increased time into trying to convince them otherwise.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"That's not loving... we need to fight for them until the very end... how can you call yourself a Christian if you're willing to give up on them so easily?&nbsp;</i><i><b>Surely God didn't say...</b></i><i>"&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;Can you hear the enemy's voice? &nbsp;He's trying to make us feel guilty for abandoning someone to hell. &nbsp;Don't listen to him. &nbsp;The enemy uses this flaw in Christians to delay them from reaching those who the enemy knows are on the verge of repentance or who have opened their heart enough to begin seeking the truth.&nbsp; He has convinced Christians that we can’t love the sinner if we’re willing to walk away, but that’s a lie. &nbsp;<u>We've been instructed by God to do just that</u>. &nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />For those who have hardened their heart against God, our personal walk with the Lord is our witness. &nbsp;That doesn't mean that we don't pray for all of those who have rejected Him. &nbsp;Our prayers for lost souls is powerful, but let's us not be deceived into believing that our one-on-one witnessing is the&nbsp;<b>only</b>&nbsp;way to witness to these individuals who have a heart of stone.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So what do I suggest?&nbsp; If someone doesn't accept the salvation message, offer to give them some information (tracts) or point them to a specific Christian web site.&nbsp; If they won’t accept the information, then let them know that you’re there for them if they have any questions or if they need prayer.&nbsp; Always share the love of Christ with them through selfless acts and a warm smile.&nbsp;&nbsp; That is a wonderful witness. &nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most important thing is to allow God to place you in the harvest field to reap as much fruit as possible before your time here on earth is over. &nbsp;We're called to plant, sow and reap the harvest. &nbsp;We're not called to pull up the tares. &nbsp;We need to leave that to God. &nbsp;Continue to pray for those who have rejected the message of Jesus Christ, but continue even more in&nbsp;pursuing&nbsp;those who&nbsp;are hungry for Him.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKHaKyJuDmg/T_9oSJ5BzxI/AAAAAAAABYA/rrYO2jf3D6E/s1600/pearls-before-swine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKHaKyJuDmg/T_9oSJ5BzxI/AAAAAAAABYA/rrYO2jf3D6E/s320/pearls-before-swine.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-20561091842050323732014-08-17T02:15:00.001-04:002015-07-28T19:57:19.979-04:00The Ottoman Empire Is Being Revived As The Feet Of Iron And Clay<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gTazR3EqXgw" width="459"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-67451103590985997812014-08-01T22:58:00.000-04:002015-07-28T19:56:58.919-04:00And God Will Send Them A Strong Delusion<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F--tocOQq7MIg%2FU9xTeb4wTMI%2FAAAAAAAAJOo%2Fpx_Ayce4ceo%2Fs1600%2FDelusion.jpg&amp;container=blogger&amp;gadget=a&amp;rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--tocOQq7MIg/U9xTeb4wTMI/AAAAAAAAJOo/px_Ayce4ceo/s1600/Delusion.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the millennial reign of Christ approaches, so do the ominous hoof beats of the coming Tribulation. Biblical prophecy makes it clear that God is going to send a powerful delusion upon an unrepentant population. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thess.%202:8-12&amp;version=NASB">2 Thess. 2:8-12</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever since sin entered the garden, mankind has chosen self over God. It is the result of our fallen nature. God has been patient, giving mankind every opportunity to repent, but time is running short.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The desire to live our own lives apart from God is just as strong today as it was in the beginning. Today, we have Wicca, Scientology, Humanism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Universalism, Rastafarianism, Agnosticism, Atheism, Islam, etc... Mankind's attempt to bring meaning to their lives apart from YHWH continues to occupy the minds of the majority of the population as they spend their time fulfilling their own desires and seeking their own "truth"... a truth that fits their own individual moral code. Christians know there is only one "truth," and that is Jesus (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:6&amp;version=NASB">John 14:6</a>) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What happens when an individual, group, city, nation or worldwide population becomes stiff necked, hard hearted, and turn their backs on God, choosing instead to satisfy their own fleshly desires and worship their own false gods? The bible is full of examples of the consequences of these actions. Here are just a few you may be familiar with:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%203&amp;version=NASB">Genesis 3</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The great worldwide flood. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%206-7&amp;version=NASB">Genesis 6-7</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and their inhabitants. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2019:1-25&amp;version=NASB">Genesis 19:1-25</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The fall of&nbsp;Nineveh&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nahum%201-3&amp;version=NASB">Nahum 1-3</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- 40 Years of wandering in the desert because a generation was denied entrance into the promised land. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2014&amp;version=NASB">Numbers 14</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">... and numerous incidences of God's chosen being taken into captivity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After these judgments, mankind, as a whole, has still refused to repent. Lessons learned are soon forgotten as time passes and memories fade. So here we are today, in what people would like to believe is a more enlightened age. As mankind continues to push God away, they are unwittingly setting themselves up for the consequences to follow, just as those who have lived before us have done. This time, the consequences will involve falling under a strong </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">delusion</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> that God is going to send during the Tribulation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What exactly is the definition of a </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">delusion</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Strong's: <b>Delusion(4106) <i>plané </i></b>Error, delusion, deception</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oxford Dictionary: <i>"an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument..."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cambridge Dictionary: <i>"something a person believes and wants to be true, when it is actually not true"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mirriam Webster: <i>"something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of the consequences of this "delusion" will be:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-Being ensnared by a one world religion and one world government/economic system</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Receiving the mark of the Beast, declaring themselves an enemy of God, suffering God's wrath during the Tribulation, and sealing their ultimate fate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Being deceived into believing that Christians are the enemy and participating in the worldwide persecution and execution of born-again believers. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, who exactly are these people who will fall under this strong deceptive influence? Read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201:18-32&amp;version=NASB">Romans 1:18-32</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208:42-47&amp;version=NASB">John 8:42-47</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thess.%202:8-12&amp;version=NASB">2 Thess. 2:8-12</a>. As you can see, mankind hasn't changed throughout the course of human history. Mankind's increase in knowledge has allowed us to invent new and convenient ways to sin, but our sin nature has not changed. It rules the lives of those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and of those who refuse to live in obedience to God's word. &nbsp;Sin also challenges born-again believers, who continue to live in these fleshly tents and experience daily battles.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Man's heart is wicked, God's word tells us so (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah+17%3A9&amp;version=NASB" target="_blank">Jeremiah 17:9</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+15%3A19&amp;version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 15:19</a>). Being under the influence of this strong delusion will cause reason and logic to fly out the window. As a result, the majority will not experience a repentant heart as they endure the judgments of God during the Tribulation. No. Instead of coming to God on their knees, they will do just the opposite. They will shake their fists at God, curse Him, and reject Him. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.%2016:8-11&amp;version=NASB">Rev. 16:8-11</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we harden our heart toward God, our connection with Him is severed. We hinder and quench the Holy Spirit and begin living our lives in the flesh. (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Hbr&amp;c=3&amp;t=NASB#s=1136012">Heb 3:12-19 </a>, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Pro&amp;c=29&amp;t=NASB">Prov. 29:1</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Th&amp;c=5&amp;v=19&amp;t=NASB#s=1116019">1 Thess. 5:19</a>) Those promises of God that we believed He would fulfill (if we ever truly believed in Him) are void, because they are conditional. Many people throughout biblical history have hardened their heart toward God and lived to realize the consequences of their actions: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Pharoah</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The generation that perished as they wandered for 40 years in the desert</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- King Nebuchadnezzar</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even the disciples had developed a hard heart which blinded them to the truth (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&amp;c=6&amp;t=NASB#s=963035">Mark 6:35-52</a>, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mar&amp;c=8&amp;t=NASB#s=965014">Mark 8:14-21</a>).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why would a loving God purposely send a strong delusion to deceive those who have not yet made a decision for Jesus? Wouldn't that be a contradiction in God's word? Didn't Yeshua (Jesus) die so that <b>all</b> could be saved? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God will be sending this strong delusion at a time when born-again believers have already been raptured, rescued in the blink of an eye from the 7-year tribulation to come. Those remaining on the earth will be in one of two groups:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Those who come to repentance and choose to live their life for Yeshua (yes, it is still possible to become a born-again believer during the Tribulation).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Those who will continue to reject God.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, with the Holy Spirit no longer holding back the full force of evil in the world after the rapture, Christians during this time will suffer worldwide persecution. That would include the United States as well. Even now, Christians are being persecuted all over the world. &nbsp;Even in the United States, bible believing Christians are being classified as&nbsp;radicals&nbsp;and possible&nbsp;terrorists. &nbsp;We are in the first stages of worsening persecution.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the Tribulation, those living under this strong delusion will honestly believe that they are performing a beneficial act for the good of mankind and world peace by persecuting, arresting, torturing and killing those that they deem "intolerant," "racist," "judgmental," "divisive," "dangerous," and, believe it or not, "delusional." But that's not all. Sin's ferocity, no longer restrained, will be multiplied many times over. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This strong delusion will help the Antichrist affirm his position as the head of the New World Order, a one world government. &nbsp;Most inhabitants of the planet will see him as mankind's savior during a time of economic and social upheaval.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To recap:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Biblical prophecy reveals that God is going to send a strong worldwide delusion during the Tribulation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- This delusion will affect everyone who is not a true born-again believer.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Those under this delusion will eagerly and willingly take the mark of the Beast and even worship him and his image.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Christians will be persecuted and martyred by those who believe they are actually doing something good.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Biblical history reveals a multitude of examples of God's righteous judgments against a wicked, rebellious and unrepentant individual, group, city, nation and world population.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- This delusion will help cement the position of the Antichrist as the head of the one world government and as mankind's savior.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- This is just the precursor to their eventual defeat and eternal&nbsp;punishment.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't leave yourself open to this delusion. &nbsp;<a href="http://souzak99.blogspot.com/p/salvation-message.html" target="_blank">Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today</a>. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">All scripture, unless otherwise noted, is quoted from the <a href="http://www.lockman.org/nasb/">New American Standard Bible</a></span> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8399924563118399589.post-87545314393922840132014-05-15T11:24:00.000-04:002015-07-28T19:49:55.189-04:00'Gay Christian' or 'Christian Fighting Same Sex Attraction?'<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How we define ourselves goes a long way in determining what kind of Christian we are and are to become. We can be focused so much on the sin that plagues our life that we tend to let the sin define who we are. I would like to focus on a label that continues to be a major issue to the church... gay Christians.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was once asked by a friend why Christians focus so much on homosexuals when there are so many other sinful people out in the world that we deal with on a daily basis. The truth is, those other sinful individuals aren't in our schools trying to teach our children that such behavior is acceptable. Those other groups of individuals aren't marching in parades flaunting their sin. Those other groups of individuals aren't trying to normalize their behavior, making it acceptable to live a sin-filled life while still professing to be a Christian.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's just look at the label, “gay Christian.” The word, “gay,” describes the Christian, making their sexual identity more important than their “Christian” identity. There is a difference between being a “gay Christian” and being a “Christian who struggles with same sex attraction.” One places the focus on 'self' and the other on 'Christ.' It's all semantics, isn't it? No, it's not. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've seen Christians give up the fight and settle confidently into a gay relationship, boasting online and in public how satisfied they are in their new found freedom. How could that happen? How could someone who was fighting the good fight suddenly give up on what they confessed was a sinful lifestyle? The answer is complicated. For some, it begins by doubting God and who He really is. For others, it begins by questioning God's word. It begins by imagining what it would be like to stop fighting a battle that's taken so much effort to wage, making them feel weary and weak. It begins by wanting to come out of the shadows and finally reveal a secret that they have tried so hard to keep hidden from everyone for so many years.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, during this time, the enemy is interfering with their thought process. He's trying to steer them into a “Garden of Eden” moment when they will listen to his subtle lies mixed with truth, a twist of scripture, a moment of doubt, a promise of something better. Eventually, the individual begins to believe the lies. <i> Maybe God made them this way and this is the lifestyle God chose for them. Maybe those scriptures they stood on in the battle with the enemy don't really mean what Christians say they mean. Christ never specifically spoke out against homosexuality. John and Jesus loved each other. The scriptures in the OT that forbade homosexuality are law, and we are no longer under the law. Love is love, right? So it doesn't matter who you're with as long as you love them.</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They forget that the enemy is the father of lies. He's been a liar from the beginning of time and he continues to lie. For the Christian who fights same sex attraction, a twist of scripture, a change of view, and the promise of ending the battle is so tempting, but as we know, it's also a path to destruction. God doesn't just call homosexuality a sin, He calls it an “abomination.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they embrace the gay lifestyle, their god is no longer the God of the bible, but a false god; a god they've created who resembles the one true God, but is, in fact, an counterfeit. The god they create is a god who accepts their lifestyle as god-ordained and blessed, not sinful. Their lives are no longer lead by the Spirit, but by self. They dismiss conviction, but what they're actually doing is quenching the Spirit, attempting to smother His voice while turning up the volume on the voice that keeps assuring them that they are going in the right direction. Many of their decisions (politics, education, spirituality, etc...) now become based on what would be beneficial in promoting and/or normalizing their chosen lifestyle instead of what Jesus would command they should do. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How we identify ourselves is important because it sets the stage for the decisions we make in the present, which will affect our future. Are you defined by who you are in the world or who you are in Christ? Are you a 'gay Christian' or are you a 'Christian battling same sex attraction?' Will you continue to fight the good fight and endure to the end? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvUvWNK-gt8/U3Tc7HYONfI/AAAAAAAAHqI/YJqS_GRtByk/s1600/17330_446333215443389_1459806909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvUvWNK-gt8/U3Tc7HYONfI/AAAAAAAAHqI/YJqS_GRtByk/s1600/17330_446333215443389_1459806909_n.jpg" width="191" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't let your same sex struggle define who you are. Put Jesus first and remind yourself often that there is a reward waiting for you when you complete this race. The fight may be difficult and you may feel you are living a life that is contrary to what your sexual attraction may be, but God will either deliver you from those desires or give you the strength every day to endure. The most important thing to do is to keep Jesus at the center of your life, the center of your attention. Read His word. Talk with Him and open your heart to Him. Having same sex attraction isn't sinful. Acting upon those desires is. Be strong in the Lord!!!</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repent and be forgiven! Believe and be saved!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TribulationHarvest.net</span></b></div>Ken Souzahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12756935840229045589noreply@blogger.com0